is a partnership between SPNN and Twin Cities Daily Planet. The initiative is supported by J-Lab the Institute of Interactive Journalism.
Our vision is to create an avenue through public access, to encourage citizen journalism through the creation of a mini-series, solely produced by local community producers. This engaging and diverse series begins airing in May 2008. Stay tuned to Channel 15.
Contributing Producers
Tajudin Hassan
is a graduate of SPNN's Set It Up program. Since, Taj has continued to volunteer in the youth department and mentor other young media makers. He enjoys exploring controversial issues regarding race and economics.
Helen Broderick
is a resident of downtown St. Paul. She spent many years behind the curtain working in theater. Currently she dedicates her free time to volunteering for City Passport, an organization for “people fifty or better”.
Emmanuel Nelson Jr.
volunteers on a variety of shows as an editor and videographer. He enjoys politics and current affairs.
Dwayne Cannady
is a Philadelphia native. Mr. Cannady has a wealth of video production experience. He produces a series of shows, called Priesthood Presents.
Kurt S. Pawlak
has proven to be one of the most selfless volunteers at SPNN. He has done anything from direct, to help serve food for over one hundred productions. Contrary to the nightly news, Kurt would like to find inspirational stories of triumph that happen everyday.
Ali Musse
is the Producer of Bulsho TV, a Somalian variety and politics show. He is also the founder of the Somali Family Advocacy Group to assist Minnesota Somali Famililes.
Gordon Leverett
produces a news magazine show, “The Maximus Report” and was recently elected to the SPNN board. Gordon’s commitment to St. Paul news is evident in the variety of politicians, community members featured on his show as a means to inform people about actions that they can take to make a difference in their communities.
Jennifer Dahl (not pictured)
has been producing the series, "The Angry Canadian" for over 4 years now.
Robert Annan (not pictured)
is a member of Redeemed Life Church where he tapes the weekly service. He is currently producing a West-African narrative film, "One Way Ticket".
John Butler (not pictured)
A self-taught video production & media guru and recently new member of St. Paul Neighborhood Network.
Nelima P. Kerre (not pictured)
is the author of an online blog entitled, “The Minnesotan African”. She also writes for Mshale. She is eager to use video as a way to introduce a wider audience to the beauty and diversity of African culture and customs.
Contributing Producers
Robin P. Hickman
has been committed to creating diversity within media both in front and behind the screen for more than 25 years. She is a multi-media professional and owner of Soultouch Productions. Most recently she has created a social media movement to promote encouraging images of African/African-American girls.
Sheldon Gitis
a long time member of the Public Access Community. He became involved in producing video works in the early 70s. He has a strong interest in social justice issues and politics.
Mahi Palanisami
is an incredibly talented independent radio producer who formerly interned at KFAI radio and currently produces a radio show with a women’s collective. She often volunteers with SPNN’s youth department and mentors emerging media makers.
Trahern Crews
has been producing entertainment programming for SPNN for over two years. He is a native of St. Paul and a local rap artist and music producer.
Bianca Rhodes
is a freelance Videographer and Editor. She attended St. Cloud State University where she obtained a B.A. in television production. She is excited about the opportunity to report on things important to her and the community in which she lives.
Jennifer Adrienne Burks
is a former student of St. Thomas University and has worked in local Twin Cities news stations, such as WCCO, KARE-11 & KSTP-TV. She also has extensive journalism experience. Jennifer has most recently began producing a music show that features local and national musicians and artists.
Reggie Moore
produces an entertainment variety show, "Mac's Showcase and the "Fabulous Underground". He is a father and an active member of the St. Paul community. He is currently producing a short piece on ACORN Housing Corporation of Minnesota.
Rickey C. Mantley
A world traveller, thespian and former newspaper editor, is a native of Los Angeles and currently resides in St. Paul.
Sid Pranke
believes in the importance of community journalism. She is an
award-winning journalist with extensive post-graduate work in visual
media, with a focus on documentary photography and film.
St. Paul News Desk
Sherine Crooms
Project Producer
Ms. Crooms is a filmmaker, media educator, film critic, producer and a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia. Most of her work explores the politics of gender, race, culture and class.
Chay Douangphouxay
Series Host
is a native of Minnesota and a recent Metropolitan State University graduate. Her goal as an on-air talent is to change the stereotypes of Asian Americans, particularly Asian American women in the media.
