We Got Issues is a dynamic social services project created by Link
Media. The mission of this project is to empower teens in the Richmond Metropolitan area. Currently Link Media
is airing it's first full season of shows on Comcast Public Access, Richmond Channel 95. The shows were packed with
positive energy and hard-hitting issues.
Episode 1
Hip-hop music and urban videos: Creating Culture or Chaos?
This episode featured popular Richmond Radio Personalities DJ Foot and Clovia. A local teenager
Lafresha Samuels also joined us for an engaging conversation about the pros and cons of hip-hop music and videos and the social
responsibility of the media, peers, and parents.
Episode 2
Teen Violence
Link Media held a 6 week Summer Program at Westover Community Center, Richmond Parks
and Recreation and Community Facilities. Youth learned about different stages of the television production process and also
gained public speaking/on-camera skills. At the end of the program the students produced episode 2 of "We Got Issues," focusing
on teen violence.
Two police officers, Detective Blackwell and Sergeant Lloyd, from the Richmond
Police Department gang unit joined us as guests on the show. Four students from the summer program acted as on camera talent
for the show. The students hard work was featured in an article written in the Richmond Times Dispatch.
Episode 3
Teens in Church and Youth for Social Change
This episode featured teens Brittany Jones, Niko Sheffield, and JT Logan from
St. Paul's Baptist Church. They talked about positive peer pressure and how church has affected their lives. They
also displayed their God-given talents by rapping and singing for the show.
Youth For Social Change, a social service/mentorship organization also made an
appearance on the show. A 20-year old former gang member and an 18 year-old former drug dealer collaborated with
the executive director of the organization and have created a inspirational program that is changing the life of young
people.
Episode 4
Teens out of Control
A family therapist, a teenager, and the host of the show engaged in conversation about teens
being out of control--is it a reality or a stereotype. The show focused on a recent fight between two teen rival gangs at
a "Back to School" party held at the Richmond Convention Center. The event was compared to a stampede at a used computer sale
in Henrico County where a majority of the people involved in the chaos were adults. Issues addressed raising children, mentoring
teens, and the cause of chaos, and many other issues that will help people understand teens better.
Episode 5
Segment 1: Teens and Fashion
Segment 2: Why do African-Americans call themselves the N-word?
In our first segment we talked with our teen co-host, Markia Gore, about fashion
for back to school. She gave great advice on what's hot and what's not! The second segment featured guest Samuel
Taylor, author of Why do African-Americans call themselves the N-word? He talked about the negative usage of
the N-word in the black community and how it serves to bring the race down. He also presented very interesting information
about missing books in the bible, his research identifying Jesus and other key figures in the bible as black, and displayed
breath-taking portriats of the black Madonna and baby Jesus. Mr. Taylor used all of the positve imagery and
historical references to blacks in the bible to talk to African-American teens about being proud of their race instead of degrating
themselves by using the N-word.
Episode 6
Segment 1: Documenting the We Got Issues summer television program
Segment 2: Hurricane Katrina
The first segment showcased the video footage by Joseph Green
which documented the 12-week summer television program that took place at the Westover Community Center. The second
segment featured family therapist Rufus Alkeban-Lan, as we joined the world in understanding the devastation that hurricane
Katrina left in the Gulf Coast region of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. This heated discussion garnered many viewers
to call in. The community expressed opinions that varied from the biblical references of the flood and
Noah's Ark, to looting of stores, and the animalistic conditions of refugees who could not escape Louisiana and
found themselves in the Super Dome and New Orleans Convention Center without food and water for several days.
Episode 7
Teen Pregnancy and STD's
An engaging conversation about what every parent needs to discuss with their
teens but is afraid to - pregnancy and sexually tranmitted disease. Guests included: Dawn Cherry, City of Richmond Public
Health / Teen Pregnancy department; and Eleanor Harrison, HIV/AIDS Community Outreach Roundtable Collaborative of Richmond.
