MEMBERS OF 1 HOOD MEDIA
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that local organization 1Hood Media was one of 18 recipients of the inaugural Community Grant program from NBA legend Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand. Competition was fierce for the grants—hundreds of applicants vied for one of the grants, which collectively total $1 million. The program hopes to empower organizations across the country to help fight racism.
“Action over words is the foundation of our Black Community Commitment,” Jordan said in a release. “These 18 organizations put action over words every day to make their communities a better place. Each of these groups has demonstrated the courage to make a difference at the local level and I could not be more proud to support the work they are doing.”
Some of the other grant recipients include: Love Now Media (Philadelphia); Mortar Cincinnati (Cincinnati); Our Village United (Atlanta); Revolution Workshop (Chicago); and 1619 Freedom School (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).
“We received hundreds of applications for Community Grants and every single one of them was a reminder of the unique impact and powerful personal connections local community efforts can make happen. Making a decision on the first cycle selected was certainly not easy,” said Craig Williams, President, Jordan Brand, in a release. “We are thrilled to not only stand behind them but based on the volume of applications received, we look forward to continuing to offer this program each year in support of local grassroots efforts that create real, meaningful change for people and communities.”
Through the 10-year, $100 million Black Community Commitment, Jordan and the Jordan Brand identified three main focus areas that are critical to improving outcomes for African Americans: Social Justice, Education and Awareness and Economic Justice.
“We at 1Hood Media Academy are honored to have been chosen as a 2021 Community Grant recipient by Michael Jordan and his iconic Jordan Brand,” said Jasiri X, 1Hood Media Founder and CEO, in a release. “As we continue to work alongside our people in the fight for an equitable and livable Pittsburgh and in the struggle for justice worldwide, this funding will help us to tell the stories that are far too often overlooked and continue the work of keeping our community informed and safe in these unprecedented times.”
1Hood Media is a collective of socially conscious artists and activists who utilize art as a means of raising awareness about social justice matters affecting people around the world. The mission of 1Hood Media is to build liberated communities through art, education and social justice.