HarlemLIVE, celebrated worldwide for its trailblazing role in youth journalism, !ourished from 1996 to 2011 in the heart of New York City. Championing youth journalism through an entirely youth-led and produced web magazine, Harlem‐ LIVE stood as a beacon of innovation at a time when the internet was just beginning to reshape our world. This award-winning initiative was regularly covered by the press, including CNN, the New York Times, and ABC News, won numerous awards, and was inducted into the National Smithsonian. HarlemLIVE even accepted an award in the Great Hall in Stockholm from the King of Sweden.
As a pioneering digital platform, HarlemLIVE was at the fore‐ front of the digital revolution, empowering young people to express their perspectives through storytelling, poetry, memoirs, and reporting on issues concerning education, health, politics, war protests, and more. HarlemLIVE's innovative model continues to inspire, serving as a blueprint for establishing local newsletters and community initiatives worldwide.
This book unveils the powerful narratives that underscore HarlemLIVE's enduring in!uence through the stories of its alumni, early contributors and mentors. These accounts are a testament to the trans‐ formative power of giving youth a platform for expression and the agency to address issues that matter to them. From the halls of the Smithsonian to the streets of communities inspired by our model, these narratives celebrate the spirit of innovation and resilience that HarlemLIVE championed.
