Empowering youth to explore their creativity

PHOENIX (STN) – From the studios of the nonprofit she founded more than a decade ago, Lights, Camera, Discover (LCD) Executive Director Kema Charles smiles when asked how such a unique organization came to be.

“I was in the entertainment business, and I worked at a film school and saw the possibilities of kids learning these same skills but not able to afford it,” she said. “I was like, we can do that for kids, let’s do it for free though. No one pays.”

And that’s exactly what happens at LCD

From filmmaking to animation, photography to acting, screenwriting, and even special effects makeup, LCD offers a creative outlet that allows and encourages underserved kids to learn skills they might not otherwise be exposed to. At the same time, students get the opportunity to develop essential life skills.

“The animation and the filmmaking and the photography programs build their skills with working in a team, communication as well as industry-related skills,” explained Executive Assistant Macie Logan. Logan, who joined LCD after passing by it several times while riding the bus, said the fact that it’s a nonprofit for kids run by a Black woman made it a perfect fit for her.

“I was like, sign me up,” she said. “I went in for an interview and we immediately clicked.”

For 10-year-old Joseph, who has been attending camps at LCD for five years and now helps teach the animation class, learning media skills is just one part of the experience. Camaraderie is another.

“That’s a great place to make friends, do fun stuff, learn how to animate, making music, editing, doing all that stuff is fun,” he said.

That tangible connection to LCD’s mission makes Charles proud.

“That’s why we do it,” she said. “The fact that they have a safe place where they can come to and have their creativity shown… I love it.”

Charles said she wants LCD to continue growing, offering more programs with additional volunteers and, eventually, full-time employees. But that takes funding.

“We’ve been around for 13 years,” she said. “We’re still a small nonprofit running on a small scale. Just imagine who and how we can reach with more resources.”For more information on Lights, Camera, Discover, click here.