Strength in Numbers: Creativity Scholars on Inclusion

“Whenever I turn on the TV, I see my beliefs being type casted and misunderstood. I want to use my voice and creativity to change the world of media.” – Ahlaam Ibraahim

2016 Adobe Creativity Scholars offer a myriad of ways to view our world. They hone in on social issues that matter and are personal to them. This post is a part of a series introducing the Creativity Scholars through the themes that they care about, like the environment and human rights. Today, we are featuring those Scholars who use videos and podcasts to expand societal inclusion. These Creativity Scholars are journalists, filmmakers, illustrators, designers and photographers whose strength in numbers personifies inclusivity. While they dispel stereotypes that divide and expose groups that are excluded, they also celebrate the impact of youth access to art.

“People of color, such as myself are woefully underutilized both in front and behind the cameras of mainstream Hollywood. Were I ever in the position to do so, I would work tirelessly to remedy this through bringing unheard voices into the writing process and unseen faces to the screen.” – Jesse Hu Jenkinson

https://www.behance.net/gallery/35239585/Hey-Doug

**Jessie Zus, 18
**Toronto, Ontario, Canada

“I want to create films to help people realize that they are not alone in this very large world.” With this in mind, Jessie created the PSA Hey Doug, featuring two friends texting about excluding Doug from hanging out with them. At the end of Jessie’s video, a ukulele player sings a jingle encouraging them to invite Doug into their circle of friends: “Don’t be rude, include!”

http://kuow.org/post/tale-two-high-schools

**Ahlaam Ibraahim, 18
**Seattle, Washington, USA

Ahlaam’s long-term goal is to own a media station on which to build a platform for the underrepresented. One of her first podcasts, A Tale of Two High Schools, examines the isolating impact of stereotypes on students from diverse high schools. By broadcasting this message she hopes to break down stereotypes to create more inclusive communities in these schools. Ahlaam also wishes “to help inspire many minority groups to be in the digital media field, and show them how accepting this industry can be.”

https://www.behance.net/gallery/35205467/Love-is-Free-at-the-McNay

**Jesse Hu Jenkinson, 19
**San Antonio, Texas, USA

Jesse directed a commercial, “Love is Free”, at the McNay Art Studio in San Antonio, for a local art museum offering free admission to teens. The museum’s aim was to include youth in the experience of interacting with original art, while broadening the arts’ impact. “As artists we are vested with a civic responsibility to draw attention to issues through our art and through the platform it gives us.”

“Film has the ability to change a viewer’s way of thinking and affect them in a multitude of ways. I see true value in creating films to help others. Films bring support through art.” – Jessie Zus

Lead Photo Courtesy of Jesse Hu Jenkinson