ST PAUL, Minn. — In St. Paul, Listen Up Youth Radio is making waves by empowering the voices and leadership of youth in the Twin Cities.
Recognizing the importance of providing a platform for young people who often lack visibility in traditional spaces, the organization is dedicated to training the storytellers, journalists and artists of the future.
Jordan Lee Thompson, executive director of Listen Up Youth Radio, said creating this space proves to be significant everyday.
"We work with a lot of young folks who don't have a lot of platform in other spaces. In this space, they're able to actualize their voices, reach a broader audience, build community, and platform what is important to them in our community,” Thompson said.
Producer Luka Cook also takes pride in the work his team produces.
“We’re a worker, self-directed nonprofit that tries to center young people of color, and also just anyone from a different background... like youth voices, basically,” Cook said.
Fellow producer Gloria Ngwa recognizes the importance and power of youth engagement in media, too.
"The more that youth are involved in media and civic engagement, I feel like youth perspectives are very important because we are tomorrow's leaders," Ngwa said.
Listen Up Youth Radio was granted $5,000 through the TEGNA Foundation for being a vital platform, ensuring that the voices of tomorrow are not only heard, but celebrated.
For more information about Listen Up Youth Radio, click here.
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