ABOUT US

Visions Blu Institute is a 501(c)3 organization developing the voices of youth ages 9-18 through digital media, news literacy, technology and artistic expression. Our mission is to help youth consumers become producing media contributors with civic engagement inclusion.

OUR HISTORY

Held annually from 2002 – 2007, the Visions Blu Film Symposium was described as an urban film festival with a business approach and education focus. The Visions Blu Film Symposium was created with the intention to empower, encourage, guide and motivate urban talent about the business of television and film. We successfully built an increased platform for the making of independent films and filmmakers.

In addition to the annual film symposium, we produced quarterly events and programs such as:

* Film screenings
* Panels / Workshops
* Networking Events

  PAST SPONSORS INCLUDE:

OUR PROGRAMMING

Visions Blu is focused on fusing digital media literacy and business education. Our target group is youth aged 9-18. We are dedicated to empowering, educating and engaging youth in areas that matter to them including civic responsibility. Visions Blu implemented is new programming opportunites during the summer of 2011 with the "ONE Block, ONE Peace" project.

OUR AREAS OF TRAINING INCLUDE:
* Online Journalism / * News Literacy
* Videography / Video Journalism
* Photo Journalism / * Interviewing Skills
* Time Management / * Business Presentation Skills
* Copy Editing / *Marketing and Social Media
* Teamwork / * Critical Thinking Strategy Skills

OUR PEOPLE

Karon Hamlet is the Founder of Visions Blu Institute, a 501(c )3, organization. Known for her resourcefulness and creativity, Karon Hamlet demonstrates relentless persistence, a drive to exceed set goals and is on a path that is destined to make a difference in the community.

* Former Co-Chair of Illinois Production Alliance Diversity Committee
* Former Board member of Independent Feature Project (IFP) Chicago

  Karon earned a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Illinois – Champaign and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Illinois – Chicago.

PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS

Mira Lowe - Former Editor of JET Magazine
Clark Jones - Videographer for JET Magazine
Bravetta Hassell - Graduate of Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism
Michael Deas - Professor at Northwestern Univeristy, Medill School of Journalism

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erin Elizabeth

Being a dreamer is my number one occupation. I hope one day to accomplish things many only dream of doing. Lucky to have beat a statistic, and will be attending college in the fall. My journey has only begun. I am building my own yellow brick road.