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Making Media Takes a Village... 

      Welcome to our village, where we believe that making media takes a team— and nurturing the next generation of storytellers is part of our ethos. In the dynamic world of digital arts, media, entertainment and technology, where every pixel tells a part of the story and every sound can move hearts, collaboration and mentorship go hand in hand.

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      Our foundation is built on the principle of bringing together creative minds, cutting-edge technology, and passionate mentors to not only produce compelling content but also to empower aspiring young creatives dreaming of a career in the entertainment industry. 

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    From the spark of an initial idea to the final frame in post-production, our village is vibrant and diverse, comprising industry professionals across all facets of digital media production. We're directors, producers, writers, editors, sound engineers, visual effects artists, and more importantly, we're mentors. Each of us is committed to passing on our knowledge, skills, and passion to the youth who will become tomorrow's storytellers.

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        Here, every project—be it an innovative web series, an impactful podcast, or a boundary-pushing film—is a canvas for creativity and a teaching moment for our mentees. We pride ourselves on not just the work we produce but on the opportunities we create for young talent to learn, grow, and contribute to the media landscape.

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      Join us in our vision and mission to create extraordinary media and to cultivate the next generation of media makers. Together, we can tell stories that matter, educate aspiring artists, and ensure the future of digital media is brighter than ever.

mixed group of creatives sitting around
 Vision

Our vision has remained the same for the 30+ and that is to help young people obtain sustainable employment and build a future in arts, media, entertainment, sports and technology (FAMEStech). And that we have!

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Unleashing the potential of young creatives through comprehensive mentorships and hands-on training programs,, we aspire to build a community of innovative storytellers equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to transform the entertainment landscape. We are dedicated to building a culture of learning, diversity, and excellence, ensuring that every aspiring artist and technician finds their voice and path in the digital media industry. 

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Mission

HBAu and its partners have train thousands of Black and Brown youth as well as early career adults for careers in arts, media and entertainment (A.M.E.) for over three decades. While HBAu is trying to redefine the landscape of digital media production through innovation, collaboration, and excellence with a commitment to creating captivating, impactful content that not only entertains but enlightens, guided by our belief that "making media takes a village." 

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HBAu strives to build a nurturing environment where creativity thrives, stories come to life, and the next generation of storytellers is empowered. By mentoring young talent and providing them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed in the entertainment industry, we aim to contribute to a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive media future. Our journey is one of passion, creativity, and community, where together, we turn visions into reality.

S. Michelle Blackwell

Meet Our Creative Tribe

Our team is a vibrant tapestry of talent, passion, and experience, encompassing industry veterans, innovative creators, and visionary mentors dedicated to the art of digital storytelling.

Ptah S. Lyons
Allahna Shabaf
Our Partners
Our Partners

HBAu believes that our strength lies not just within the walls of our company but in the vast network of partners and team members who contribute to our projects and programs from all corners of the globe. Our partners— ranging from local community organizations, workforce agencies, and industry pro's to global tech innovators— bring invaluable expertise, resources, and vision to our collective table, making every project/program we undertake richer and more impactful. They are more than collaborators, they are pillars of our creative process.

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Equally, our team members are the heartbeat of our operation. From the creative minds shaping our narratives to the technical experts who bring those stories to life, each person plays a crucial role in our success. Their diverse backgrounds, skills, and passions are what make our content resonate with audiences worldwide.

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Together, our partners and team members (our collective tribe) form a dynamic ecosystem, driving us toward our mission of transforming the digital media landscape. 

One Last Thing Before We Wrap...

Here at HBAu transparency is the foundation of our trust with stakeholders and the community at large. We pledge full openness in our business & career program dealings and operational practices, adhering to the highest standards of integrity. Our project summaries are straightforward and accessible, ensuring stakeholders can easily understand our business strategies.

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Beyond that, we're committed to clear and honest communication across all aspects of our business. This transparency builds a culture of trust, supporting informed decisions and sustainable growth for our community, participants and partners.

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