Through Your Years: Generations on Air – May 2025
CoGen “Through Your Years – Generations on Air” • May 2025
“Through Your Years: Generations on Air”, a unique initiative designed to bridge the gap between youth and elders in their communities through the art of storytelling and audio production. Over the course of five weeks, participants engaged in a collaborative learning experience that culminated in the creation of 6-7 minute audio pieces capturing the oral histories of the participants. These pieces explored the lives, communities, and intergenerational connections that shape their stories.
During the program, both youth and elders were introduced to the fundamentals of audio production, including recording techniques, editing, and storytelling skills. In addition to guided lessons, participants were given small assignments to build their confidence and ensure they were prepared to produce their final projects independently. At the end of the program, each pair of youth and elder completed an audio piece that highlighted the rich history and valuable insights of their shared experiences– these audio segments were then broadcasted on Lumpen Radio through the National Museum of Mexican Arts youth radio initiative, Wattz Up!
This program offered a creative and impactful way for generations to connect, learn from one another, and preserve the stories that shape their communities.
A collaboration between Yollocalli Arts Reach and Lumpen Radio. Supported by Innovation80.
Final Audios:
“Trauma and Healing Journeys” – Patricia & Aryules
“In this 7-minute piece, we interviewed individuals who have experienced different types of trauma. Every trauma is important and valid, and it is always important to find a good way to cope. These individuals expressed the multiple ways they began to heal and resources to begin to heal are provided. We hope it encourages people to find help.”
“The Elements Matter in Pilsen” – Mario & Edna
“Although many of the plants causing air and water pollution in and around the neighborhood have been shuttered, some still remain causing damage in Pilsen. We speak with Silvia from Jumping Bean Cafe and Citlalli Trujillo the Executive Director of environmental justice organization P.E.R.R.O.”
“CPS Past & Present” – Abby & Fran
“This piece explores Chicago public school education past and present, from the viewpoint of 1 former teacher and 6 college-bound students from high schools around the city. The students reflect on what has worked best for them and what they would like to change. Their stories paint a picture of an imperfect system that still manages to provide a safe and supportive environment in which students can learn, grow, and thrive.”
“Genders” – Naty & Mere
“Naty and Mere talk about gender identity and expression in their Latine community. We explain that gender identity is how someone feels inside, and gender expression is how they show it on the outside. We say it’s important to respect people’s pronouns and let everyone express themselves freely. We want to break stereotypes, like saying pink is only for girls or blue is only for boys. We believe we should support the LGBTQ+ community, be more understanding, and create safe spaces for everyone.”
“Breaking Stereotypes” – Layla & Elsa
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pezIT78lu5cLyPXh_n0cDOT2b0rveuNa/view?usp=sharing
Elsa and Layla were both interested in exploring stereotypes after being subjected to stereotypes due to race and ethnicity. They scripted a skit and interviewed two women from different backgrounds about a time they’ve been categorized based on their identities. The piece ultimately shows how harmful stereotyping is, how it divides communities of people, and how it prevents efforts to work for equality and justice.
Final program: To celebrate the successful completion of the program, a final event was held on Saturday, June 21st. The day featured a special Wattz Up! Radio broadcast at 12PM, showcasing the audio stories created by each youth and elder pair. A listening party took place at Co-Prosperity (3219 S. Morgan) from 11:30AM to 2:30PM, where participants, families, and community members gathered to enjoy the completed pieces, share reflections, and honor the connections formed throughout the program. The celebration was a joyful and meaningful culmination of the intergenerational storytelling journey.
