May 4, 2016
For immediate release
Contacts:
Tom Williams, APR
Office: 410-581-4031
Leslie Adler
Office: 410-581-4238
MPT to air YouthVoicesBaltimore:ACommunityConversation
OWINGS MILLS, MD – Maryland Public Television will air the town hall-style program Youth Voices Baltimore: A Community Conversation as part of its American Graduate: Let’s make it happeninitiative. The 30-minute program, with noted moderator Karen Gibbs as host, airs on Monday, May 16,at 11 p.m. on MPT-HD.
Following the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray and subsequent unrest in the city, Baltimore’s young people are engaged in conversations about how to improve their lives and bring hope back to their communities. This program gives a voice to local at-risk youth, particularly those who are struggling to stay in school, and shines the spotlight on mentors and caring adults who helped them reach their goal of obtaining a high school diploma.
MPT partnered withWide Angle Youth Media, a non-profit organization that teaches Baltimore youth about media, togainabroaderunderstandingoftheissues facingat‐riskyouth. Representatives of the organization traveled to Baltimore City schools to hear from students about their personal stories, struggles, and strategies for overcoming obstacles in and out of school. Young people who have left school and those at risk say dropping out imposes an almost insurmountable obstacle course for life, depriving a person of both opportunity and hope. Viewers tuning in to the program will gain a broader understanding of the impacts of dropping out of school, and learn about organizations providing invaluable hope and help to youth and families in Baltimore.
Youth Voices Baltimore: A Community Conversation airs on Monday, May 16,at 11 p.m. on MPT-HD and repeats on Tuesday, May 17, at 9:30 p.m. on MPT2. American Graduate: Let’s Make it Happen is supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
About MPT
Launched in 1969 and headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, Maryland Public Television is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). MPT’s six transmitters cover Maryland plus portions of contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards, MPT creates local, regional, and national television shows. Beyond broadcast, MPT’s commitment to professional educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through year-round instructional events and the super-website Thinkport, which garners in excess of 19 million page views annually. MPT’s community engagement connects viewers with local resources on significant health, education, and public interest topics through year-round outreach events, viewer forums, program screenings, and phone bank call-in opportunities.
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