vernard r gray - a 61 year-old father of three, grandfather of two, artist / designer, curator, collector, New Media visionary, created the Black Family Net project (BFNet) as a technology demonstration concept in 1998 at the National Council of Negro Women's annual Black Family Reunion Celebration (BFRC). BFNet2002 is an activity of CA-FAM III, Incorporated,
a Washington, DC based, tax-exempt, 501 (c) (3) educational corporation
dedicated to empowerment through effective use of applied technology.
Founded in 1972 by vernard, the organization has designed and implemented
several projects in Washington, DC.:
When we were planning this service we knew two principal activities would occur here - interactivity and the process of change -hence the name InterCHANGE.org. The World Wide Web has contained within it thousands, if not millions, of interactive tools/technology enabling a person, family, community,organization, nation, continent, world to bring about Social Change. The word InterCHANGE has two relevant meanings to this discussion: vt. 1. To give and take mutually; exchange [to interchange ideas] n. 2. Any of the places on a freeway where traffic can enter or depart, usually by means of a cloverleaf. We, at CA-FAM III, Incorporated,invite you to join
us in a sharing process where you can come and go as you please. We require
only that, within this domain,you promise to Interactively Share Information
and Resources for meaningful Social Change. Perhaps the experience will
facilitate this sharing spirit within the "other" domains you find yourself………………….peace
N'Dieye Gray Danavall- a graduate student studing Digital Motion Imaging and Film at Georgia State University where she has learned how to combine many aspects of "new media" to produce digital creations. "The first time I picked up a camera at the age of 12 years, I fell in love. It was an old-fashioned Canon with a big lens and manual shutter. I still use a manual Canon, however, I've also incorporated digital cameras, DV video-cameras and editing on the computer (instead of burning and dodging in the darkroom) to my repertoire." In 1996 she moved to Atlanta to work as a videotape operator in the Olympics after graduating from University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a BA in English/Telecommunication. After the Olympics, working as production coordinator for several music videos and independent films that have aired on BET, MTV and GA Public Television, she gained valuable experience in visual media. In the last three years, she has been producing/directing her own shorts and documentaries ("A Soldier's Game", "Smokin" and "Sacred Moments: Ifa in the New World"), while also working on local independent films and projects. In the summer of 2000, N'Dieye co-organized and directed ConnectDC2000, a intergeneratioal multimedia training project. Currently, she lives in Jonesboro, GA with
her husband Damien and twin daughters, Aminyata and Damali Danavall.
Damien Danavall- a 28 year-old, married, father of two, environmental microbiologist who resides in Jonesboro,GA- is a lover of music. All music, but particularly Hip-hop- the unique mix of jazz, blues, r&b, rock and funk created by youths within inner city America. As a youth Damien grew up in the Bronx during time
of revolutions, turntable revolutions where Hip-Hop was (and still is)
the voice of the urban youth.
As a result of this technological boon, anyone can
be the DJ for any occasions. As “Djuhti”, Damien has turned out music for
weddings, parties and for his friends and family. By using his home pc
he has downloaded over 3000 songs that he manipulates using different programs
such as Sound forge, Acid Pro, Traktor and other music programs.
Ayesha Morris is a freelance writer based in Washington, DC. Her work has appeared in the Washington City Paper, Washington Post, Africana.com, and the Prince George's Gazette. She also does news writing for WPFW 89.3 and production assistance for Caribnation TV. Ayesha's work with Africana.com available online
Jarvis Grant is a photographer and educator working in Washington, DC since 1972. His commercial clients include Coca-Cola, Burson-Marsteller, McCann-Erikson, Roberts & Raymond Associates, Dix & Eaton, American Cancer Society, Smithsonian Press, Southwest Airlines, HBO, and Sony Music. Magazine assignments include Black Enterprise, Runners World, Muscle & Fitness, Advertising Age, House Beautiful and The Washington Post Sunday Magazine. From 1979 until 1993 he was director of Howard University's Department of Art, BFA Photography program. Currently, Jarvis is an instructor with the Museum Studies Department at the Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC. At Ellington he teaches photography, digital imaging & design, cultural studies, and museum research methodology. His involvement with digital imaging and technology includes:
return to frontpage Stephanie Luster is a new media consultant and a founding member of the Digital Freedom Institute (DFI). The mission of DFI is to bridge the gap in the digital divide and assist communities of color in taking advantage of the digital opportunities that exist in the burgeoning 21st century information technology world. DFI seeks to educate and train African Americans and other communities of color in the usage of Internet technologies. In addition to Internet training, DFI also specializes in digital media production (live webcasting). A partial list of DFI’s collaborative partners include:
New media empowers African Americans to document our history, voice our concerns, exchange ideas and worship our Creator. We can sing our songs, tell our stories, and display images of our reality. We can converse and debate. We can promote and organize. We can conduct business at home, nationally and around the globe. Now is the time to become wholehearted participants in this online global community. I am grateful for realizing the promise of this medium.” Digital Freedom Institute will capture various event
highlights of the BFR; and provide streaming media services to participating
organizations in support of BFNet. DFI will produce live webcasts
and conduct demonstrations. DFI will also train a select group of
youth in the basics of live webcasting and digital media production.
Brian Tildon is currently employed with FutureNET Solutions, where he is a Systems Engineer and Assistant Program Director for the DC Youth IT Program. He has worked with many aspects of technology which he loves including computers, professional audio, professional photography, and professional video with the desire of showing others how it all works. Brian currently runs his own business part time around technological aspects that he loves and plans on doing it full-time in a few years.
CA-FAM III, Inc
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