The Creative School co-hosts first-ever Black Culture/Pop Culture Youth Media Conference
Hosted by Power to Be International, in partnership with The Creative School at TMU, Children's Media Lab, Institute for Research in Digital Literacies, and University of Toronto's Community Partnership and Engagement Department, the Black Culture/Pop Culture Youth Media Conference is the first-ever community-based initiative delving into the social, cultural, and intersectional influences shaping the popular culture and digital media experiences of Black youth.
Among the team of organizers is Professional Communication Professor and Co-Director of the Children’s Media Lab Dr. Kisha McPherson, whose work focuses on media and Black communities. Much of her research surrounds the impact of media, popular culture, and contemporary representations of Blackness on the identity and education of Black youth.
“The opportunity to work with Black youth from the GTA to explore and creatively examine contemporary popular culture is of utmost importance in our current digital age,” McPherson said. “For Black youth, it is important to recognize that popular culture is not just about technology and cultural representations. There is another complex layer as it is also necessary to consider the intersectional and long term impact of representations that are often created outside of our control.”
Professional Communication Professor and Co-Director of Children's Media Lab Kisha McPherson
Through this event, the organizers aimed to provide a platform for Black youth in grades 10, 11 and 12 to critically analyze mainstream media while exploring digital platforms such as TikTok and Adobe Audition. The conference hosted 45 students from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) who had the chance to participate in conference activities and explore The Creative School facilities, including the Red Bull Gaming Hub and The Catalyst.
Photo by Benjamin Agbeke
Photo by Benjamin Agbeke
“The proliferation of digital media, and its ever-expensive place within our lives, requires that we extend our critical analysis to include different narratives, themes, and trends that circulate within various popular culture formats,” McPherson said. “With limited research on the lives and digital experiences of Black youth, this event was designed to combine research approaches to activities that emphasize applying critical perspectives to the texts and activities youth consistently engage with online.”
Celebrating the influences of Black popular culture in media
The full-day event was held at the Rogers Communications Centre (RCC) at Toronto Metropolitan University, where youth had the opportunity to engage in discussions, listen to speakers and try their hand in workshops, such as a guided lesson on how to explore innovative ways to produce music using computational applications. The topics ranged from Afrofuturism, digital wellness, representation in gaming, and more.
Photo by Benjamin Agbeke
Photo by Benjamin Agbeke
This conference, which started as a community-based action project, uses critical media literacy as a pedagogical approach to address concerns about digital media’s impact on Black youth and support their wellbeing. This includes analyzing representations in popular games like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto and the purposes and uses of algorithms on platforms like TikTok. The participants also learned about digital wellness and mental health concepts. This groundbreaking event is first-of-its-kind in the GTA.
“It's crucial for young Black people to have a safe space to challenge these stereotypes and affirm their multifaceted identities without having to conform to predefined roles,” said Silja Mitange, communications lead for the conference. “I find that gatherings like these instill confidence in Black youth by highlighting their significant contributions to cultural trends and movements. Whether it's pioneering new music genres or starting viral dances on platforms like TikTok––Black creators are at the forefront of shaping pop culture.”
Photo by Benjamin Agbeke
To learn more about the Black Culture/Pop Culture Youth Conference, visit The Power To Be website (external link) .
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.
