FRANK
LATIN



WESTSIDE MEDIA PROJECT



Westside Media Project (WMP) is a grassroots, media-arts organization founded and run by an African American male who lives in the community in which he serves. Frank Latin brings over 25 years of experience analyzing Labor Market Information and specifically 18 years as a Labor Market Economist for the US Dept. of Labor.


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WMP IS SEEKING DONATIONS TO SUPPORT:



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Acquiring and developing a building for an intergenerational Media Arts and Culture Center in the Garfield Park/Lawndale area



Increase WMP staffing to 10-15 people



Fully developing our Jumpstart to Media College and Career Awareness Initiative and facilitating the program in 5-10 area schools



Fully developing our Global Partners Project and expanding our current partnerships



Continuing our New West Side Stories Community News Team



Providing media services to 3-5 west side community organizations



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Marquis WHo's Who





Frank Latin has been asked to join the line up on

the latest edition of Marquis Who's Who.
“As the Executive Director, Mr. Latin oversees the daily operations of the youth enrichment program that helps participants develop networks, opportunities, and pathways to viable career paths.

Within the coming years, Mr. Latin intends to focus his professional efforts on growing the Westside Media Project, which initiated its Global Partners Project in recent years.”


Read More

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Programs



News Team





Our news team reports on local stories, and provides training of specific occupational roles related to news and media such as that of a reporter, video editor, videographer, segment producer, and researcher. Students and team members have the opportunity to form new relationships and learn new skillsets.



Programs



Global Partners Project





WMP's Global Partners Project (GPP) is a six-week, cross-cultural initiative that connects youth and young adults (ages 15-30) from different regions of the world to discuss a variety of issues relating to culture and mass media.



Programs



College & Career Readiness





Our College and Career Readiness program involves a video series that takes a look into many career opportunities available with the media industry. We combine that with hands-on instruction and small group training that allows participants to gain much needed exposure to various career paths.



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TESTIMONIALS



The Westside Media Project helped open a door of opportunities for me. I first joined the nonprofit as a teenager, yet I was encouraged to combine writing and public service in a way that made me feel connected to my community and inspired me to continue doing work for social change. Years later, I think of those days and years I spent with WMP while I work as a press secretary for the United States Senate.



- Gwen Pepin, former WMP participant, instructor - BA Journalism, 2017 University of Illinois Champlain-Urbana



Being a student of the Westside Media Project has opened so many doors and provided me with invaluable skills that I use to this day. Starting in the 6th grade, this program served as a creative outlet and a community safe space to go between school and home. During my time in high school, WMP provided me with the opportunity to host a live call-in news show and even served as my senior internship. After graduating university, WMP provided me with my first employment opportunity, which was teaching students who grew up like I did, the same skills that I had the opportunity to hone. Even in my career today, my media and digital storytelling experience makes me a standout candidate. I've gone on to work as a Consultant for the United Nations, Siemens Digital Industries, Nationwide and more!



- Richard Marion, former WMP participant, instructor- BA Marketing, 2017 Iowa State University



HISTORY





WMP, formerly Westside Writing Project, began as a column in a community newspaper. It later took the shape of a summer writing program providing an opportunity for youth participants on the west side to publish their own newsletter.

WMP has since expanded into a year-round media arts program serving youth, young adults and other community organizations. 2023 marks WMP’s 17th year of providing instruction and exposure in media arts/digital storytelling.

Throughout its existence WMP has partnered with area schools, parks, and community centers to bring digital tools and resources to underserved youth.

Today the organization continues to amplify community voices as it engages and supports various populations on the west side including youth, young adults and other community groups.

With the addition of its virtual programming and college and career awareness initiative, to date WMP has reached over 15,000 participants.



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