FSM News

In partnership with PBS Student Reporting Labs, FSM News South producers, Britney Martin, Justin Patterson, and Marquica Shipp travel to Air Aerial Fitness to learn about how their innovative workout is potentially revolutionizing fitness.

FSM News

In partnership with PBS Student Reporting Labs, FSM News South producers, Amoriana Ballard, Kinyada Craine, Perrione Reed, and Yasmeen Scott travel to Ci3 Game Changer Chicago Design Lab to explore creative and fun ways to raise awareness for sexual and reproductive health.

FSM News

In partnership with PBS Student Reporting Labs, FSM News South producers, Anthony Killick, Jessica Powell, Jamaari Ramirez, and Devon Stephens travel to the Gary Comer Youth Center to explore Green Teens, an innovative program focusing on urban agriculture, food security and green career development for high school teens.

FSM News

In partnership with PBS Student Reporting Labs, FSM News South Reporters, Patricia Joyner, Aaron Noel, Desireé Williams, and Jalen Young spoke with Speech Pathologist, Marylin Sandler about The Snoezelon Room, a multi-sensory environment for children with autism and other sensory needs. Mrs. Sandler led the initiative to create a Snoezelen Room at Stockton Elementary in Chicago.

FSM News

In partnership with PBS Student Reporting Labs, FSM News Anchors, Amariona Ballard and Desireé Williams delve into health innovation.

The Real Chi

This video is about New Life, a health food store in North Lawndale.

The Real Chi

Over 2,000 inmates were released to Illinois in December 2017 from Cook County Jail. Over 90 percent of those returning citizens are African American, and roughly 20 percent are African-American women. Real Chi Youth Reporter Kwyn Townsend Riley sat down with Colette Payne, a returning citizen in South Shore, who works with the Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers (CLAIM), which is a part of Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA).

The Real Chi

On Feb. 19, Real Chi Youth reporters Alloíza Mari and Pascal Savino followed organizers from BYP 100 and Teachers For Social Justice, and students from the National Teachers Academy, among others, as they marched to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s house in Ravenswood to protest the closing of the National Teachers Academy and the phasing out of four Englewood high schools over the next three years.

The Real Chi

On Feb. 20, the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH) and sponsors hosted a Title IX townhall at the National Museum of Mexican Art. The event aimed to inform people on Title IX-related protections and allow youth to speak directly to their experiences with the federal law in public schools.

Free Spirit PRO

Five young Peace Builders from Chicago traveled to India in 2017/2018 as part of the Peace Exchange leadership development program. In New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, they continued their exploration of peace with youth organizations committed to nonviolence and tolerance. This documentary of their trip will be shared with children from their communities.

Free Spirit PRO

Out of Eden Walk, a global journalism project, debuts a Chicago-focused program to ask inhabitants of the city to share their stories with each other and with wider audiences.

The Real Chi

On Feb. 28, students, parents, teachers, organizers and concerned community members filled the Chicago Public School’s downtown office as the board was scheduled to take their final vote on the closure of four South Side high schools and an elementary school.

FSM News

In 2017 several important social issues have fallen under the public eye. So for our fall newscast, FSM News West decided to dive into major social issues! In this newscast, we interviewed students about cyberbullying, reported on issues that LGBT students endure, shot a PSA to help educate others about rape and covered issues such as homelessness and abortion.

The Real Chi

Chicago’s black and brown neighborhoods are depicted and looked at as dangerous. Lacking work programs, positive resources for the youth and community at large, many outsiders looking in only get a small glimpse of what is really happening.

FSM News

High school can be an exciting time when students discover who they are but some school's don't allow students to express themselves.

FSM News

In this edition of "FSM News Is On," a hero comes to save the day before realizing that FSM news is on.

FSM News

In this FSM South Newscast, reporters Patricia Joyner and Justin Patterson host our Holiday Special. From giving back to exploring what different religions might celebrate during the holiday season, Free Spirit Media looks forward to putting you in the Holiday Spirit!

The Real Chi

How a black psychologist is centering black men and their unique needs in his drive for black wellness

FSM News

FSM News Reporter Kinyada Craine travels to Skokie, Il to find out what Jewish people do on Christmas.

FSM News

Produced and acted by the FSM News South Crew, this Public Service Announcement gives you valuable holiday advice sharing the do's & don'ts during Thanksgiving.

FSM News

FSM News Reporter, Desireé Williams, travels to La Casa Norte, Chicago's leading not for profit organization servicing youth and families confronting homelessness, to further explore the true spirit of giving and selflessness during this holiday season.

FSM News

From exploring the Day of the Dead to the history of the Christmas tree, FSM News Reporter, Marquica Shipp, takes us through an insightful journey through the history of the holiday season.

Free Spirit PRO

Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC) is the region’s premiere civic leadership development organization. The year-long Signature Fellows Program immerses the most promising leaders from the private, nonprofit, and public sectors in the major socioeconomic issues facing the Greater Chicago area.

lgcchicago.org

Free Spirit PRO

On December 11, Make-Believe Association made its debut with a free staged reading of Thornton Wilder's holiday masterpiece, The Long Christmas Dinner. The diverse cast of great Chicago actors reflected Wilder's vision for the play: a story about one family that's really about all families.

mbelieve.org

InPathways

Behind the Scenes filming of the InPathways Cohort Training Program 2017 film, Drive Slow. 

Free Spirit PRO

What should we expect from public education? How can schools best serve the diverse needs of their students? How do schools reflect their neighborhoods and communities?Continuing Ed. is a yearlong, statewide series of free public programs that put parents and schools back at the center of conversations addressing these difficult questions.

The Real Chi

Real Chi Youth's mission statement.

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CPL Red North/West game between North Lawndale College Prep and Orr Academy

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Chicago Public League White West Regular Season Conference Championship

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Chicago Public League Red North/West Conference game

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Real Chi Youth

On March 14, students nationwide walked out of their schools to stand in solidarity with Stoneman Douglas High School students in a symbolic protest for stricter gun laws in light of the Parkland, FL shooting that happened a month ago.

The Real Chi

North Lawndale was a booming economic hub of Chicago in the early 1900s when the community was filled with major businesses including Sears Roebuck and Western Electric. Over time, as demographics changed, Sears and other businesses left the neighborhood and poverty levels began to increase.

FSM News

On March 14th, 2018, students from Gary Comer College Prep in Chicago, IL decided to participate in the nationwide school walkout to honor the victims of the Parkland tragedy and end gun violence.

FSM News

Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z... In this newscast we are focusing on how things have changed and evolved over the generations. We have an editorial on pop culture, interviews about changes in teenage life, advancements in tech, how getting your music heard has evolved, and a humorous short thinking about the good old days!

FSM News

In this funny edition of "FSM News Is On," take a look at what happens when a game of Uno takes a turn south for one player.

FSM News

In this editorial, reporter Devonne looks at how pop culture - specifically music and clothing styles - have changed and affected people.

FSM News

In this news package, we interview several millennials and Gen X'ers about how they feel life and things have changed (or not changed) for teenagers over the generations.

FSM News

In this DYK, we take a look at some of the big technological advancements over the past 50 years in areas including transportation and communication.

FSM News

In this narrative, two music artists show how promoting your music has changed over time. This news package explores the shopping and donation habits of Americans during the holiday season.

FSM News

In this whimsical short, we take a look at how we used to do things "back in the day"!

The Real Chi

Hip hop dance has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years, largely due to the advent of omnipresent social media.

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On March 24th 2018 several North Lawndale College Prep students took a bus to Washington DC to March For Our Lives.

In-School

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Free Spirit PRO

On March 14, 2018, students across the country took part in a national school walkout to highlight the epidemic of gun violence and to demand action. On March 24, 2018, over 1 million people participated in the March for Our Lives. From DC to Chicago and communities across the globe, young people demanded action to reduce gun violence.

FSM News

In this humorous action movie by FSM News West's Apprentice Crew, two students see something they both need, but who will get it first?

FSM News

In this action movie by FSM News West's Apprentice Crew, a crooked narc decides to go against a known criminal.

FSM News

In this sci-fi action movie by FSM News West's Apprentice Crew, two agents fight to take down the evil Dr. Chaos and his minions... but what other trouble lies ahead?

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Chicago Public League Red North West Conference Game.

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Red North West conference basketball between Westinghouse College Prep and North Lawndale College Prep.

Free Spirit PRO

The NLARA is a community-based organization that collaborates with community-based partners to develop sustainable athletic programs, activities and resources for kindergarten through high school-age youth.

FSM News

In this dream sequence by FSM News West's Apprentice Crew, James finds himself face to face with someone you wouldn't want to fight...

FSM News

In this dream sequence by FSM News West's Apprentice Crew, a mysterious figure keeps showing up in random places.

Free Spirit PRO

Teach For America is a network of leaders transforming the education landscape in Chicago and Northwest Indiana in order to ensure that one day all students have access to an excellent education.

In-School

By Zamareon Marshall

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By Arieyanna Williams

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By Ariannie Foster

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By Dayon Pettus

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By Elijyah Smith

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By Maurice Walls

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By Shania Harris

In-School

By Shamia Brown. My topic affects me because in order to be successful in the U.S you need a certain educational level of achievement. I choose education as my topic because, as a growing adult, education is needed for mostly all jobs in the world, especially the good ones. 

In-School

By Monifa Wright-Brown. My name is Monifa Wright- Brown, I am a senior at North Lawndale College Prep, and my senior project is about homelessness. Could homelessness in the United States be solved by simply spending more public money on the issue. Homelessness is an issue that a lot of people seem to ignore. I chose this topic because I was curious as to what I would find and I wanted to help people understand what the term homelessness really means.

In-School

By Tyrica Sanders.

In-School

By Janaya Hull. Mass incarceration is one of the biggest issues in society. There are people in my life who are and have become a statistic. Most importantly families all over the country are broken apart and separated because of incarceration. I feel that incarceration is organized to punish those who have made actions that turns out to be a crime and jail just so happens to be an punishment. I do feel that not all offenders should get harsh sentences there should be more restorative justice and more probation chances. 

FSM News

Have you heard? Trump has just released his new plan, all laid out in this music video (parody of "God's Plan" by Drake).

FSM News

Ever wonder about #wealthypeopleproblems? This skit reveals just some of the issues they have to deal with. It might surprise you.

FSM News

Stubbed your toe? Got gingivitis? Lizard Co Insurance is the answer to ALL of your problems!

FSM News

In this breaking news package, our reporter goes out on location to a McDonald's location where the ice cream machine is finally working. She speaks with an employee and a customer to talk about this breaking news.

FSM News

In this edition of the "FSM News Is On" opener, a customer at a coffee shop is a little bit surprised to find out about her order.

FSM News

For FSM News West's last newscast of the semester, we decided to get silly. In this parody, our anchors can't be bothered, but we have a breaking report on the status of a local McDonald's ice cream machine, Lizard Co Insurance that'll cover all of your life's needs, a secret look into the life of wealthy people, and a music video that lays out Trump's Plan!

The Real Chi

On June 28, the Chicago Urban League hosted their first inaugural educational forum. “The Stories We Tell: A Forum on African-American Narratives” was geared towards their Race and Equity Initiative, which was born of a need for conversations about African-American youth, adults and communities; and the ways in which formal and informal policies have shaped their lives and experiences.

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FSM News

In this news story, Free Spirit Media teen journalists at the Gary Comer Youth Center explore 12th Street Beach. The crew covers topics of diversity, fashion, festivals, music, and safety. Produced by FSM South.

Industry Pathways

"Fuzzy Legs" is about a timid young brown girl who begins middle school. She wants to go unnoticed, but with her hairy legs she stands out. When peers provoke and bully her, panic ensues as she questions beauty standards and what they mean to her.

Produced by Free Spirit Media's Industry Pathways 2018 Cohort.

FSM News

In this Did You Know, Free Spirit Media teen journalists at the Gary Comer Youth Center explore the history of Chicago Music.

FSM News

In this news story, Free Spirit Media teen journalists at the Gary Comer Youth Center explore interview the crowd of diverse people at 12th Street Beach.

FSM News

In this news story, Free Spirit Media teen journalists at the Gary Comer Youth Center discuss the topic of summer festivals with local Chicagoans.

FSM News

In this news story, Free Spirit Media teen journalists at the Gary Comer Youth Center discuss the topic of Fashion trends with local Chicagoans.

FSM News

In this news story, Free Spirit Media teen journalists at the Gary Comer Youth Center explore the Taste of Chicago. The crew discusses food trends, food preparation, the Taste of Chicago, and presents a short film. Produced by FSM South.

FSM News

FSM News

FSM News

FSM News

In this news story, Free Spirit Media teen journalists at the Gary Comer Youth Center remember and celebrate the life of Jessica Finister.

FSM News

InPathways

Two teenage girls from Chicago discuss media-related current events and gives insight on aspects of Film, TV, and life. This week, Daikira and Precious sit down with Elena Valetine, CEO of Skill Scout, to talk about the Remote Work Revolution. Skill Scout’s team is comprised of professionals with deep experience in workforce development, community organization, community collaboration, and the design and deployment of novel solutions in the market.

FSM News

FSM News

FSM News

In this news story, Free Spirit Media teen journalists at the Gary Comer Youth Center explore the Magnificent Mile. The crew create pieces on the topics of dance trends, social justice, technology, and discipline.

FSM News

Raising A Better Chicago is a short documentary about youth organizations and communities working together to provide for the youth, because they aren't getting the help they need from the government.

FSM News

Invisible Until Suspicious is a documentary about how Chicago citizens view police and how the police view them. The documentary expresses each viewpoint, what these victims have to live through, their struggles, and their insecurities towards police officers. It also portrays the lives of Chicago police, their struggles of serving citizens, and the insecurities they have towards violent people.

FSM News

Hear Her Voice: Hidden Victims of Gun Violence is a creative and powerful documentary that will change the way people look at gun violence victims. It’s focused on women who have experienced gun violence. We picked this topic because it is a huge problem that should be addressed but isn't touched on most of the time by the media. Most people in Chicago are unaware of just how much women are affected by gun violence and how many of those same women are victims of gun violence.

FSM News

Graffiti: An Overlooked Art Style is a look into the world of graffiti. It can be found throughout the world, but how much do we know about the artists and the art? This documentary goes into the history, the meaning, and even the issues that your everyday spectator may not think about.

Free Spirit Pro

Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance works collaboratively with employers to support talent development and retention needs and to improve outcomes for both workers and employers.

As part of their summer program, over 100 CPS students from student voice groups and various community-based organizations learned about micro-aggressions and the hierarchy of oppression.

Howard Brown Health 63rd Street delivers holistic healthcare services, free of stigma and judgment, including weight management, diabetes, HIV & STIs, healthy lifestyle consultation, cholesterol management, and hypertension.