1Hood Media Academy is a collective of socially conscious artists and activists based in Pittsburgh, PA. The organization mobilizes underserved and disenfranchised communities to use their voices for change through art and cultural organizing. 1Hood addresses systemic issues such as racial injustice, gun violence, and voter suppression. At its core, the team consists of creatives who work in, for, and with Black communities. Its work takes many forms, all aligned with 1Hood’s values and Five Pillars of Engagement: Art, Education, Media, Civic Engagement, and Cultural Organizing.

About 1Hood Media Academy

1Hood Media Academy is on a mission for liberation for all through art, education, and social justice.

Programs & Impact

• Art: 1Hood Media’s arts programming amplifies the voices of those most impacted by systemic inequity. It provides professional development opportunities and a platform for Pittsburgh artists to be heard through the Artivist Showcase Series, Select, and Kaleidoscope.
• Education: Through Media Academy, We Keep Us Safe, and Fridays on Deck, 1Hood Media provides educational programs that support teens and emerging adults in media literacy, civic engagement endeavors, leadership development, and anti-violence initiatives.
• Media: 1Hood Media reclaims the narrative through media created to uplift Black voices and center the Black experience in ways mainstream media too often fails to. The organization critically analyzes all media forms, creates informative content, and develops independent platforms to advance social justice, build liberated communities, and counter false narratives.
• Civic Engagement: 1Hood Media seeks to engage traditionally excluded individuals while working to build a truly reflective democracy. Its nonpartisan civic engagement work is dedicated to increasing voter participation, addressing misinformation, and creating safe spaces for civic education training.
• Cultural Organizing: 1Hood Media recognizes the power of connecting cultural practices like art, music, food, and joy with organizing strategies to shift power and activate people in ways that yield policies that are more responsive to community interests.

Get Involved

People in the community can support 1Hood Media through donations, volunteering for its weekly Community Care food distributions at the Second Avenue Commons, attending one of its Artivist showcases, or engaging in its voter participation events and nonpartisan canvassing efforts.

How Support Helps

Donations help expand the reach of 1Hood Media’s programs and support operational strength to fairly compensate its impacted-led team and show community investment to others who would consider supporting its work.

1Hood has existed for 20 years and formally became a 501c3 in 2017. It is committed to liberation for all through art, education, and social justice.

To donate, visit https://www.1hood.org/donate.

Story and Photography by 1Hood Media Academy

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