January 25, 2013, 7 PM, at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, Pittsburgh activists/hip-hop artists Jasiri X and Paradise "The Arkitech" Gray will be hosting an opening ceremony for their One Hood Media Academy. They'll be joined tonight by Grammy award winning, multi-platinum rapper/producer David Banner, who has also established himself as a respected socially and politically aware leader. A Conversation with David Banner will include an in-depth discussion with David Banner regarding the black male image in hip-hop, his career in the music business, and the current state of hip-hop. The ceremony will also feature a performance by One Hood Media Academy graduates Jordan Montgomery and Cameron Layne. Admission to tonight's event is FREE.

One Hood Media Academy, established by Jasiri X and Paradise “The Arkitech” Gray, in conjunction with August Wilson Center for African American Culture and a generous donation provided by the Heinz Endowments, is the tool to help African American young men critically analyze media messages, broaden their experience of media, and develop the creative skills needed in producing their own media. The mission is to improve self-image, dispel stereotypes, and provide a positive forum of self-expression. The program is offered to 25 young African-American men, ages 13-19. The course will include, though not limited to, the art of blogging, video production, and social media. Applications for entry are now being accepted until February 1, 2013. The Academy will be held at the Elite Studios, 901 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.

Written and produced by Chris Moore for WQED TV, the "Game Changers" documentary highlights One Hood's work in the community:

Game Changers: The One Hood Media Academy