The Black History Program at Youth Filmmakers Initiative (YFI) is designed to uncover and preserve the stories that have too often been left out of traditional classrooms. While textbooks offer only a partial view of history, countless voices, experiences, and contributions remain undocumented or overlooked. This program exists to help bring those stories to light.

Rooted in the legacy of the Federal Writers’ Project, which documented firsthand accounts of formerly enslaved people, YFI equips young filmmakers with both the technical skills of filmmaking and the tools of historical research. Students learn how to conduct interviews, analyze primary sources, and engage meaningfully with their communities to uncover hidden narratives.

Through hands-on training, participants create original documentary films that capture local Black histories—stories of resilience, innovation, struggle, and triumph that might otherwise be lost. These films not only develop students’ creative and professional abilities, but also serve as lasting educational resources for schools, families, and future generations.

By combining storytelling with scholarship, the Black History Program empowers youth to become historians, artists, and preservationists—ensuring that these vital stories are not only remembered, but shared. In the process, students build a deeper connection to their history, fostering a strong sense of pride, identity, and belonging while promoting confidence, emotional well-being, and positive mental health.