A collaborative partnership with artist Natalie Daise, Voorhees University’s GEAR UP program and the South Carolina State Museum that brings student stories to life
South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is proud to announce the launch of When I See Myself, I See…, a multimedia initiative produced in collaboration with artist Natalie Daise, Voorhees University’s GEAR UP program and the South Carolina State Museum. The project combines painted portraits, storytelling, video interviews and a museum exhibit to affirm how students see themselves and how they are seen, heard and valued.
The SCETV-produced video series features 28 short films capturing the moments when participating students viewed their portraits for the first time. Each video includes a reflection with Daise, allowing students to share their self-concepts and experiences in their own words. Additional videos highlight stories from Daise, Voorhees University GEAR UP staff and other collaborators, documenting the process of bringing the project to life.
Students from Voorhees University’s GEAR UP program participated in the project, representing schools across Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Chester, Colleton, Hampton, Orangeburg and Williamsburg counties. Several participants began the project while attending middle school and are now in high school, reflecting a critical stage in their personal and academic development.
The yearlong exhibit, hosted at the South Carolina State Museum, opens Saturday, Sept. 26, and includes the full collection of painted portraits by Daise, accompanying student essays and artwork, and interactive elements that bring the project to life for visitors.
With more than three decades of experience in the arts, Natalie Daise has long been celebrated for her ability to connect communities through creativity. She first gained national recognition as co-star of the Emmy-nominated Nickelodeon series Gullah Gullah Island, which brought Gullah Geechee culture and storytelling to a worldwide audience. Since then, she has built a multifaceted career as a visual artist, performing artist, storyteller and educator.
With its blend of art, video storytelling and student voices, When I See Myself, I See… demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating platforms that celebrate identity, representation and community. The SCETV-produced videos will air as interstitial programming on SCETV’s broadcast channels and are available for streaming on KnowItAll.org.
QUOTES
“SCETV is honored to partner in this initiative and to help amplify the voices of South Carolina’s youth. Projects like When I See Myself, I See… remind us of the importance of listening to young people and creating platforms where they feel valued and supported.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Through partnership and access, we’re creating spaces where students see themselves reflected, affirmed and celebrated. After engaging with this initiative, my hope is that our audiences see themselves more fully—whether in the resilience of our youth, the richness of their stories, or the possibilities they envision for the future.” –SCETV Chief Learning Officer Dr. Salandra Bowman
“Working on this project was an extraordinary experience. The portraits are beautiful works of art, and the videos reveal the joy, honesty and courage of these students, as well as the connection Natalie has built with them. It was our privilege to capture those stories and share them with audiences across South Carolina, and I’m especially proud that one of our student interns, Kaonna Hyacinthe, helped edit the student videos, reflecting SCETV’s ongoing commitment to uplifting youth voices while supporting emerging media professionals.” –SCETV Director of Education Productions Roni Henderson
“These students trusted me with their stories and dreams. Creating their portraits felt like an act of worship. They are brave, brilliant, and beautiful—each a work of art. In a hard season of my life, they gave me hope. I’m honored to have met them.” –Visual Artist, Performing Artist, Storyteller And Educator Natalie Daise
“When students see their potential, they create their future while GEARing Up for the next level of excellence through Voorhees University GEAR UP.“ –Voorhees University’s GEAR UP Project Director Tiffany Leaf
“This new exhibition highlights the voices and potential of young people in our state. The exhibition gives visitors a moving experience that reflects the museum’s commitment to education and community.“ –South Carolina State Museum Executive Director Amy Bartow-Melia
FAST FACTS
- SCETV launches When I See Myself, I See…, a multimedia initiative produced in collaboration with artist Natalie Daise, Voorhees University’s GEAR UP program and the South Carolina State Museum.
- Twenty-eight short films produced by SCETV capture students’ first reactions to seeing their portraits painted by Natalie Daise.
- Voorhees University GEAR UP students from nine South Carolina counties participated, with many participants beginning while attending middle school and continuing into high school.
- Natalie Daise, co-star of Nickelodeon’s Gullah Gullah Island, is an acclaimed storyteller, educator and visual artist with more than 30 years of experience.
- The yearlong exhibit at the South Carolina State Museum features portraits by Natalie Daise, student essays, artwork and interactive elements.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About the South Carolina State Museum
Since opening in 1988, the South Carolina State Museum has been committed to collecting, preserving and showcasing the rich culture, art, natural history, technology and innovation of the Palmetto State. Through a comprehensive collection of over 1.1 million objects and four floors of stimulating exhibitions and displays housed within the historic Columbia Mills Building, the State Museum provides educational environments that entertain, inspire and enrich the lives of millions of visitors and students from across South Carolina. For more information about the museum, visit scmuseum.org.
About Voorhees University GEAR UP
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education and career readiness. VU GEAR UP is currently serving ten school districts and thousands of underserved students in the state of South Carolina.
Voorhees University GEAR UP provides a seven-year partnership grant to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade and follow the cohort throughout high school and possibly through the first year of college. GEAR UP funds are also used to supply college scholarships to low-income students and their families by providing high-quality educational opportunities to help them embrace collaboration, problem-solving, and working through their creative processes.
Voorhees GEAR UP is a comprehensive, research-based project designed to fill gaps in school programs, meet the needs of low-income students and families, raise achievement, improve graduation rates, increase college enrollment, and prepare our youth for successful careers and their future roles as productive, adult members of society.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
SCETV showcases student voices in new multimedia series When I See Myself, I See… (PDF)
