May Newsletter

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On Tuesday, April 26th over 100 people from across Emerson's campus and the city of Boston gathered at the Spring Showcase to celebrate the work of students and partners this past semester. Through co-created film, performance, and virtual reality, as well as student and partner reflections, we saw glimpses into the transformational learning, connecting, and healing that took place within Social Impact Studios this spring. Check out the new TNGV website to learn more.

Quiet Rooms,
a film produced by VM495

This 20-minute documentary debuted at the Spring Showcase on April 26th. The film, about the impacts and root causes of gun violence, was co-created by Emerson students in VM495 and community members. The bracingly honest interviews featured in this piece reflect the trust in process that was made possible through truly collaborative work.

"This documentary is by far my most proud work I’ve ever been a part of because it was truly meaningful... For this project, [we] worked towards a goal much bigger than our individual selves. Watching it on a big screen, with the energy in the room, and receiving the reaction we did, I felt more fulfilled than I could have imagined. The goal is to change communities, to change policy, to change structures. But even if we don’t, I know we changed..."

- Olivia Goldberg, Emerson student

"This course has changed my thought process and has helped me to understand how to narrate a story. I feel I can now tell my son Burrell's story authentically. Gun violence causes a lot of collateral damage that oftentimes goes untreated, leaving families and communities broken and traumatized. Imagine changing one's thought process when it comes to what we know, versus what we think we know. What a different world this would be."

- Carla Sheffield, community partner

VM495 class at the Spring Showcase

Read more about VM495 on Emerson Today

Mother's Day Walk for Peace
The Engagement Lab and MGH Center for Gun Violence Prevention (and Mayor Wu!) came out strong in support of Louis D. Brown Peace Institute on Sunday for the Mother's Day Walk for Peace! Over 5,000 people walked in solidarity and LDBPI has almost reached their fundraising goal of $600,000. You can still donate to our team to help them reach their goal!

Check out Peace Week 2022!

Teen Empowerment is hosting a whole week of activities dedicated to peacemaking in Boston. It all kicks-off with a screening of their film, Senseless Smoke, at AMC Theater in Dorchester on Sunday, May 15th. Purchase tickets and register for the week's activities to support T.E.'s young leaders!