Millennium Brooklyn High School [MBHS] has become an artistic zone, especially for its youth that wish to share their voice through their artistic capacity. Art goes beyond what you see at museums, much more beyond the walls. It has various forms, and all take part of MBHS. From art on paper to dance, to theatre, animation, filmmaking and much more.

MBHS is a young school, as it was founded in 2011. However, it has come a long way in becoming largely diverse and welcoming. From its very first year, the MBHS community has surrounded itself with art. But how is it beneficial for the students? Just how much does art promote student growth and allow them to have a voice in the world?

Caryn Davidson, the school’s art teacher, stated that “when people see ideas expressed through color, shape, creative text, and other visual elements, a precious part of their minds and souls are ignited.” This allows students to be able to speak out on social injustices they feel passionate about through art and not fists. Current senior Michael Williams stated that art challenges him to express what he’s “thinking or feeling and convey those thoughts across the audience in an indirect way.”

Furthermore, he expresses himself directly when he makes flyers for when he goes on protests. When asked how much MBHS surrounding itself with art promotes student growth and allow them to have a voice in the world he spoke out from the heart. He stated “in a world where we are being surrounded by discouragement from expressing how we think and feel; it’s such a valuable thing to be in an environment where it is encouraged, accepted and it’s respected. Being [in MBHS] has really fostered that spirit within me of trying to hear others opinions, understand and speak out more. I am beyond thankful to have the opportunity to be in a place where that’s the case.” According to 2.kqed.org “artists have played a key role in social movements. Through their expressive talents, artists can challenge cultural narratives, shift imagery and inspire emotions in a way that traditional political methods alone rarely do.”

Art in MBHS does not only allow artists to form and grow, but encourages and assists them to speak out their voices. This is a great way for young adults to find themselves through art and advocacy, but also prepare them for the real world where they will face the world on their own.

Apart from the art within the walls of MBHS, there are students who are voicing their art through fashion. “I think Millennials have found platforms through social media to assert their identities and share their stories with a larger social world” stated Ms. Davidson. Former MBHS senior of class 2016 Chance Landesman currently has his own clothing line. He promotes his art through Instagram as @chance.landesman and the website to explore and shop his and others artwork onto clothing: www.shop.latemedia.club/

Some may argue that art is weak in society and will not help one sustain themselves in the real world. However, art is powerful and it’s power has grown into MBHS and the hearts of its students. It is evident that MBHS is the environment that promotes diversity, acceptance and growth in students sharing out their voices.