Design Ignites Change - Projects

C.S. Mott Community College

Addressing his personal experience growing up in Flint, Michigan, DeMarcus Smith has designed a project that speaks to youth in his community about the choices they make regarding their future and how they use their talents. Because gun violence is all too prevalent, many young people, especially African American males, feel as though they have no choice other than to engage in negative behavior to get through life, even when it comes to obtaining basic necessities.

DeMarcus Smith & Mara Jevera Fulmer
mara.fulmer@mcc.edu

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June 18, 2013

This does not take talent.

Cease 4 Peace Concept Poster

Some mistakes can't be erased.

Cease 4 Peace

The greatest challenge is just getting the young people to believe that there are more ways to be successful than to resort to negative behavior. They often don't respond to more mainstream images of success and are drawn to stereotypical images of success such as a rapper or drug dealer.

By showing shocking images, stark and suggestive of a violent situation, the youth must think twice about their participation in it. The images are juxtaposed with text discussing the consequences of their behavior. The overall message is that it is up to you to decide how to use your talents to achieve more positive goals.