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This month we join the youth of Austin Has The Mic, a youth media partnership between Westside Health Authority and BUILD, as they cover an Austin community event. Hear them discuss the experience and their future plans. Plus, a highlight of the Iris Farm.

For Women’s History Month, we hear from BUILD staff and youth on what they #ChooseToChallenge, as well as thoughts from our young people as they interview some special women in their lives. Plus, a powerful youth-performed spoken word piece. Episode Segments: (1:16) Youth producers discuss podcasting and what got them interested in the medium. (7:17) BUILD youth and staff talk to us about International Women’s Day and what they #ChooseToChallenge. (11:42) BUILD youth Kashila performs spoken word piece “Black Girl Magic”. (13:34) Podcast program youth Tamia invites a friend for an honest conversation about gender stereotypes, social media’s beauty standards, and body positivity. (24:05) Miguel interviews a female mentor of his and learns about her career path in public health and her professional advice for young women. (31:20) Ziolet reflects on the unfair obstacles women have been facing for generations, and many of the dangers that women face every day. (34:03) Tobias interviews his mother about growing up black in Chicago, the generational shift she’s seen in family and relationship dynamics, and her advice for young mothers. (43:32) Youth creators reflect on their segments.

In celebration of Black History Month, hear conversations with Black leaders of two different generations. BUILD youth leaders talk about their own goals and motivations, plus, interviews with Black Table guest speakers Derek Brewer and Sylvia Ewing. Episode Segments: (2:46) BUILD Mentor-in-Training Cheveris talks about stepping up for your community, learning self control, and being the change you wish to see. (10:25) BUILD Mentor-in-Training Schan on the difficulty of being a Black man in America, brotherhood, and communication. (16:52) ‘BUILDing Girls 2 Women’ participant Destiny tells us about her dream. (18:59) BUILD youth Jonathan interviews Derek Brewer, an educational consultant of more than 35 years, about his journey from dropping out of school and homelessness, to learning the skills that led him to success. (40:34) BUILD youth Quintiara talks with Sylvia Ewing: marketer, event producer, communications strategist, and award-winning journalist, about creative inspiration, empowering others, and following your dreams.

On this episode, we will be hearing from BUILD youth, many from our Austin Has The Mic podcast program who produced their own segments, as they take a look back on the unforgettable year that was 2020. You’ll hear in their own words their reflections on the virus, quarantine, the summer protests, as well as other notable events you may have forgotten about.

Sylvia Puente knows a thing or two about adversity—she also knows a thing or two about policy. In this youth-led interview, the distinguished President & CEO of the Latino Policy Forum discusses making positive change, while staying true to your heritage.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, BUILD is proud to present La Mesa Latina, a unique event that brings together many of Chicago’s most accomplished Latin leaders to share their stories with promising Latin youth from across metropolitan Chicago.

In our 11th edition, hear actor Wood Harris discuss growing up on the West Side; Michele Clark High School principal Charles Anderson sheds light on his school’s achievements; guest speakers from our Black Table event explain the importance of legacy; Chicago Bulls point guard Ryan Arcidiacono reflects on his first NBA game; one participant recounts an unforgettable day of service; and BUILD youth share thoughts on leadership.

Sgt. Jermaine Harris grew up on the west side. Unlike many that move away when they find success, Harris never left. Hear two of BUILD’s charismatic youth hosts interview Harris about his mentors, being a cop, serving his community, and hope for the future. Plus an MLK-inspired youth spoken word reflection.

In this holiday-themed episode, hear what BUILD youth are thankful for, two stellar spoken word pieces, a youth-led talk show, an improvised BUILD song, a young man honoring his late friend, and an interview with ACT executive director Darnell Shields. Donate! at bit.ly/2OFCc3G

BUILD knows how to make the most of summer. In this episode we follow young people from our media program, and listen to some of the fantastic original content they created this summer. Including: Community Issue Spotlights/PSAs, summer program participant interviews, coverage from a community basketball event,  and an in-studio interview with founder of Forty Acres Fresh Market, Liz Abunaw.

Police Cmdr. Ernest Cato remembers the night Latee was shot. He next saw the ‘troubled young man’ 3 years later at BUILD’s 50th Gala, as Latee told a packed ballroom about leaving the streets behind and his plans for college. Commander Cato was floored. We reunited the two for a moving in-studio discussion on gangs, … Continue reading “People Can Change”: Latee’s Story – Ep. 7 →

Our 6th installment features 5 youth public speaking pieces, youth interviews with African-American leaders, an interview with a local youth hip-hop artist, plus, spoken word from a BUILD alumnus, and a short piece celebrating 50 years of BUILD.

BUILD has been empowering Chicago youth with opportunity for 50 years. Listen to tomorrow’s leaders; hear and understand their stories. This episode we’ve got BUILD’s youth council, youth comedy, a youth entrepreneur, youth poetry, and youth music. Donate at buildchicago.org #buildhope

The debut of “Death Is Contagious”, a powerful audio-drama chronicling the true story of Max Cerda, one of BUILD’s “Street Intervention Specialists”. Also an interview with Max discussing gang life, what solitary confinement was like, and what his work with BUILD means to him. Featuring dramatic interpretive reading by Chicago actor Tommy Rivera-Vega. 

Benjy and BUILD youth participants talk about voting, guns, gangs, and what they see in their communities. Also, US Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, Writer/Scholar/Cultural Organizer Dr. Eve Ewing, and original spoken word poems from youth.

BUILD sits down with past Chicago Bears star cornerback Charles Tillman, current linebacker Sam Acho, and franchise chairman George McCaskey. Also, the premiere of youth written/performed 3-part hip-hopera, “The Saga of Terrence Jenkins”.

In our premiere episode we are introduced to BUILD, its executive director, and why such work is critical now. We also speak to a Cook County Commissioner, a reformed gang member, and hear song, story, and spoken word pieces from BUILD’s young people.