This month we join the youth of Austin Has The Mic, a youth media partnership between Westside Health Authority and BUILD, as they cover an Austin community event. Hear them discuss the experience and their future plans. Plus, a highlight of the Iris Farm.

For Women’s History Month, we hear from BUILD staff and youth on what they #ChooseToChallenge, as well as thoughts from our young people as they interview some special women in their lives. Plus, a powerful youth-performed spoken word piece. Episode Segments: (1:16) Youth producers discuss podcasting and what got them interested in the medium. (7:17) … Continue reading Women’s History Month: Honoring the Women In Our Lives – Ep. 16 →

In celebration of Black History Month, hear conversations with Black leaders of two different generations. BUILD youth leaders talk about their own goals and motivations, plus, interviews with Black Table guest speakers Derek Brewer and Sylvia Ewing. Episode Segments: (2:46) BUILD Mentor-in-Training Cheveris talks about stepping up for your community, learning self control, and being … Continue reading Black Leadership of Today and Tomorrow – Ep. 15 →

On this episode, we will be hearing from BUILD youth, many from our Austin Has The Mic podcast program who produced their own segments, as they take a look back on the unforgettable year that was 2020. You’ll hear in their own words their reflections on the virus, quarantine, the summer protests, as well as … Continue reading BUILD Youth Look Back on 2020 – Ep. 14 →

Sylvia Puente knows a thing or two about adversity—she also knows a thing or two about policy. In this youth-led interview, the distinguished President & CEO of the Latino Policy Forum discusses making positive change, while staying true to your heritage.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, BUILD is proud to present La Mesa Latina, a unique event that brings together many of Chicago’s most accomplished Latin leaders to share their stories with promising Latin youth from across metropolitan Chicago.

In our 11th edition, hear actor Wood Harris discuss growing up on the West Side; Michele Clark High School principal Charles Anderson sheds light on his school’s achievements; guest speakers from our Black Table event explain the importance of legacy; Chicago Bulls point guard Ryan Arcidiacono reflects on his first NBA game; one participant recounts … Continue reading Exploring Leadership and Legacy (feat. Wood Harris and more) – Ep. 11 →

Sgt. Jermaine Harris grew up on the west side. Unlike many that move away when they find success, Harris never left. Hear two of BUILD’s charismatic youth hosts interview Harris about his mentors, being a cop, serving his community, and hope for the future. Plus an MLK-inspired youth spoken word reflection.

In this holiday-themed episode, hear what BUILD youth are thankful for, two stellar spoken word pieces, a youth-led talk show, an improvised BUILD song, a young man honoring his late friend, and an interview with ACT executive director Darnell Shields. Donate! at bit.ly/2OFCc3G

BUILD knows how to make the most of summer. In this episode we follow young people from our media program, and listen to some of the fantastic original content they created this summer. Including: Community Issue Spotlights/PSAs, summer program participant interviews, coverage from a community basketball event,  and an in-studio interview with founder of Forty … Continue reading The Sounds of Summer! – Ep. 8 →

Police Cmdr. Ernest Cato remembers the night Latee was shot. He next saw the ‘troubled young man’ 3 years later at BUILD’s 50th Gala, as Latee told a packed ballroom about leaving the streets behind and his plans for college. Commander Cato was floored. We reunited the two for a moving in-studio discussion on gangs, … Continue reading “People Can Change”: Latee’s Story – Ep. 7 →

Our 6th installment features 5 youth public speaking pieces, youth interviews with African-American leaders, an interview with a local youth hip-hop artist, plus, spoken word from a BUILD alumnus, and a short piece celebrating 50 years of BUILD.

BUILD has been empowering Chicago youth with opportunity for 50 years. Listen to tomorrow’s leaders; hear and understand their stories. This episode we’ve got BUILD’s youth council, youth comedy, a youth entrepreneur, youth poetry, and youth music. Donate at buildchicago.org #buildhope

The debut of “Death Is Contagious”, a powerful audio-drama chronicling the true story of Max Cerda, one of BUILD’s “Street Intervention Specialists”. Also an interview with Max discussing gang life, what solitary confinement was like, and what his work with BUILD means to him. Featuring dramatic interpretive reading by Chicago actor Tommy Rivera-Vega.

Benjy and BUILD youth participants talk about voting, guns, gangs, and what they see in their communities. Also, US Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, Writer/Scholar/Cultural Organizer Dr. Eve Ewing, and original spoken word poems from youth.

BUILD sits down with past Chicago Bears star cornerback Charles Tillman, current linebacker Sam Acho, and franchise chairman George McCaskey. Also, the premiere of youth written/performed 3-part hip-hopera, “The Saga of Terrence Jenkins”.

In our premiere episode we are introduced to BUILD, its executive director, and why such work is critical now. We also speak to a Cook County Commissioner, a reformed gang member, and hear song, story, and spoken word pieces from BUILD’s young people.