My role as a production intern at the Harrison Center entailed creating video content for multiple programs such as First Friday and Art Dish.

Through a partnership with IUPUI, I began interviewing long term residents of the Monon16 neighborhood, which had gained local attention due to a large local grant to “revitalize” the majority-Black area. One of my first interviews was Joanna Lenoir, a resident of the area and someone who was impacted by the building of the Interstate through the middle of the state.

These first conversations with her and others provided the groundwork for the Harrison Center’s work with the Greatriarchs, local heroes and popular figures that help to illustrate the story of Martindale Brightwood.

A more independent project with Asa Gauen of Yardbox Films, this project built upon the idea of interviewing long time members of historical Indianapolis communities. We expanded this project to 2 more interviewees, ultimately to be optimized for social media. The summer ended before we could finish, but I am still proud of th work we created and the ripple effect it has created for avenues of storytelling at the Harrison Center.

One of my first projects with the Harrison Center, Pre-Enact Indy served as an intro to the work I would be exposed to at HCA. Pre-Enact aims to pre-enact the future of an inclusive neighborhood instead of re-enacting the past. With the help of local theater companies and vendors, a whole city street is turned into a living festival that shows people the potential of historic neighborhoods that have agancy over their own stories.

I began as a photograher and videographer for this event working under Joanna Taft and Asa Gauen, but eventually also took on the role of community contributor after I was no longer an intern and attended planning meetings.