Jackson Free Press

After being in Jackson for only a year, Creshawna Wilson, 19, of Indianola, Miss., has already made her mark on the city. Her desire to make changes in the media captured the hearts of the folks at Mississippi Public Broadcasting, earning her a five-year summer internship with MPB education services.

"For me (mass media) is a passion," Wilson says. "I can't put it into words. It's one of those passions that I can't explain."

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting Emma Bowen Foundation Scholarship is a five-year summer work-study program focused on using technology to promote literacy. Wilson's passion for the media—and her desire to change the perception of groups that it highlights—led her to become the first Mississippian to receive the scholarship.

As a future producer, Wilson says she could "highlight more positive things in the news." The sophomore Jackson State University student wrote her application essay on the negative portrayal of African Americans in the media, and what can be done to balance coverage.

Although Wilson has been interning at MPB for a short two months, shadowing producers on the television program "Between the Lions," she says that she has already seen the positive effects of public broadcasting on youth.

"It's interesting because … the program really does work," Wilson says. "I've seen little 4-year-olds who really can read and … that's absolutely amazing."

Wilson's first internship ends Aug. 31, and her next four summers will be spent gaining knowledge in the areas of early childhood digital literacy, digital curriculum and educational technology, adult education and education outreach.

Wilson cites Spike Lee and her grandmother as influences on her decision to go into the media profession, saying that she is always reminded that "there is hope."

"My grandmother taught me to be outspoken and to never let anyone run over (me)," she says.

Wilson says that her love of engaging in conversation led her toward a career in media.

After graduating from Jackson State, Wilson plans to pursue a career in television production and says that her ultimate goal is to have Steven Spielberg work for her.

Wilson has high expectations for herself and other young Mississippians. She stresses the importance of professionalism among today's youth and values education as a top priority.

"Education is important, period," Wilson says. "It should be to anyone, especially Mississippians."

Previous Comments

ID

82641

Comment

Great piece, Maggie. I love this part about her inflluences: "Wilson cites Spike Lee and her grandmother as influences on her decision to go into the media profession, saying that she is always reminded that “there is hope.” very Mississippi...great to know this work is going on, as literacy is a very important piece of the poverty puzzle.

Author

Izzy

Date

2007-08-02T12:04:37-06:00

ID

82642

Comment

Great article. Welcome to MS and continue the good thoughts and good work. This State is very hungry for young people with their heads on straight.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-08-06T10:01:54-06:00