Destiny by Design Project

I recently completed work on my latest photo project. For the last two months I had the opportunity to photo document a junior high after-school program titled Destiny by Design. The program, formed by the Narcisse-Banks Community Resource Center and in cooperation with Citizen Schools, focuses on culture and career development opportunities within hip-hop.

The after-school program was conducted at Kealing junior high in Austin. Weekly classes were taught by Narcisse-Banks co-founder and music journalist, Robert Gabriel. Over the course of the semester, guest speakers and volunteers, including a group of local rappers, producers, DJ's and other artists, spent their time with the kids to study hip-hop history and technique. Teaming with the volunteers, the kids were also able to utilize their creativity to produce, write, and record their own song. To conclude the semester, the kids showcased their new track and were able to perform it live in front of their classmates and supporters on the Kealing stage.

Working on this project was very much enjoyable. Being involved with the program from the beginning, I was able to witness the development and observe the new perspective and appreciation of hip-hop by some talented youth. Both the Narcisse-Banks Community Resource Center and Citizen Schools did a great job with their efforts this semester and it will only be getting better in the future. These two organizations are contributing their positive motives to the community which surrounds them and for that I applaud and thank them for allowing me to be apart of it.

The Destiny by Design project can be viewed online by visiting...

http://www.luxurymindz.com/projects.htm