YMP World: Bringing Out Our Hidden Talents

by Zeakyy Harrington

​To me, the Mississippi Youth Media Project is like a whole little town inside downtown Jackson. It's like a dream come true for the world with kids doing things you would never expect, like photography, writing and even podcasting. We edit footage and sounds we've recorded into documentary-like films. So many intelligent young people working together in one room really bring out our hidden talents. 

When I first came to the Mississippi Youth Media Project, I didn't like the idea of having to come to downtown Jackson every morning. In my part of Jackson, it feels like people who live and work in downtown are against the city's success. From my experience, it's just a place for business and opportunities for other people. 

​The best-looking part of the whole city is downtown. Now, after participating in the Mississippi Youth Media Project , I don't understand why more people don't visit downtown Jackson. In reality, there is so much they're missing, and they don't even know. Being in the Mississippi Youth Media Project has also changed the way I look at white people and politics. In my neighborhood, white people are known to be against my community. Since being here, I know for a fact that is not true for all white people. Donna and Lynne, YMP's director and manager, showed all of us unconditional love. At first I thought everyone was against us. Now I see chances and opportunity out here. You've just got to find them.

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