1Hood Media (1Hood) is a collective of socially-conscious artists and activists who utilize art to raise awareness on issues within the Pittsburgh community. 1Hood seeks to establish a platform for artistic expression in efforts to further the economic and creative advancement of artists, as well the active engagement of diverse audiences. Never censoring youth in their programming, 1Hood provides a safe space for youth to learn, grow, and tell their own stories. The artist-activist collective aims to be the vehicle that will identify, develop, and inspire the artists & activists of today and tomorrow.
During an interview with Creative Generation, Co-Founder Farooq and participant-turned-program teaching artist Treble NLS were adamant that 1Hood’s central purpose was to lift the Black and Brown voices that are typically silenced in the city of Pittsburgh. They shared that, by “giving someone the megaphone,” they foster an intergenerational dialogue that allows for community members to hone their artistry, connect with other artists and audiences, and leverage artistry in order to activate justice.
While 1Hood Media creates a place where creatives can thrive, the organization’s long-term goal is that participants will outgrow the organization. Farooq emphasized that cultivating independence is vital to the core principles of the collective, especially when it pertains to youth participants: “Every collective is only as strong as the individuals in it - we have to do the work within ourselves to empower the collective.”
