"Woke Up Black" Director, Mary Morten and Ace on The Anna DeShawn Show

Arguably more than any other underrepresented group of Americans, African American youth reflect the challenges of inclusion and empowerment in the post-civil rights period. However, in contrast to the centrality of African American youth to the politics and policies of the country, their perspectives and voice have generally been absent from not only public policy debates, but also media, art and film projects. Increasingly, researchers and policy-makers have been content to detail and measure the behavior of young African Americans with little concern for their attitudes, ideas, wants and desires. This documentary will work to fill that void.

For the last two years we have followed five youth and have witnessed family and social interactions, school and work life activities. The youth, ages 16-21, (three young women and two young men) represent a diversity of backgrounds and interests. A youth advisory panel has provided input on interview questions and screened footage throughout the production.



Anna DeShawn brings you authentically-edgy conversation on current topics affecting women and QPOC's across the country. She is a social entrepreneur, culture critic, sports enthusiast, and community lover. Anna DeShawn is passionate about queer people of color, women, poverty, politics, and of course GOOD music.

Check Anna DeShawn out every Thursday night at 10:00 p.m. CT on http://www.e3radio.org.

Follow Anna on Twitter, @AnnaDeShawn