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About
Inner Power was founded in 2011, with a handful of talented students a small digital music lab nestled in the heart of one of North Philadelphia's economically challenged communities. This initiative arose out of student interest and Paul Dunnaville's vision to develop a student centered record label. He envisioned this model as a unique pedagogical approach to engaging youth through hip-hop.
Inner Power Records became a vibrant platform for self-expression, empowering students to address real-world issues through their music. With Dunnaville's guidance, students received comprehensive training in audio engineering, recording techniques, music theory, and the intricacies of the music business, marketing and social media. Each album served as a comprehensive learning experience, culminating in a public showcase. Student-created music explored a diverse range of themes, including bullying, trauma, fatherhood, relationships, political issues, and violence.
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To enrich their learning experience, students embarked on field trips to renowned recording studios, television stations, and radio broadcasting facilities.
Students that participated in Inner Power Records were responsible for the production of five successful albums. They reached audiences through live performances at schools, community events, and street festivals (including the prestigious Wawa Welcome America Festival)
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This program has not only cultivated talented young musicians but also instilled valuable life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking in its participants.
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Trauma Informed
Inner Power utilizes a trauma informed approach based on ACEs and the teachings of Dr. Adia Winfrey, Psy.D, Author and Founder of the H.Y.P.E. Hip Hop Therapy Curriculum. Utilizing music, we strive to create a nurturing and healing atmosphere where learners will use their voice and skills as tools of self-empowerment.
ACEs Awarness
ACEs stand for Adverse Childhood Experiences. These are traumatic or stressful events that occur during childhood and can have a significant impact on a person's physical, emotional, and psychological development.
Research has shown that individuals who experience multiple ACEs are at higher risk of various physical and mental health issues later in life, including chronic diseases, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
Understanding and addressing ACEs are crucial for promoting resilience and supporting individuals and communities affected by childhood trauma.
We promote the awareness of ACEs and use the ACE Assessment Screening as the basis for our workshops. This approach not only benefits the individual, but also the community as a whole.
Our Services
Our services are centered around cultivating creativity, self-expression, and leadership. Within those 3 pillars, we offer fully customizable workshops in the following areas:
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Music Production
Songwriting
Recording
Video Production
Editing
Film Scoring
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Music
Creating music provides an outlet for self-expression and personal empowerment, allowing individuals to channel their emotions and experiences into creative forms (instead of destructive ones). When combined with the principles of Kujichagulia, this process becomes a transformative tool for shaping identity and promoting healing. In a trauma-informed approach, music creation can serve as a safe and supportive medium for individuals to explore and process their traumatic experiences, fostering resilience, emotional regulation and the reconnection to one's self.
Videos
Kujichagulia
Importance of Kujichagulia
"Self-Determination"
Empowerment
emphasizing the importance of individuals taking control of their destinies making empowered choices
Cultural Identity
promoting a strong sense of pride
Resilience
encouraging individuals to persevere through adversity and challenges
Positive Decision-Making
making choices that align with ones values and long-term goals
Community Building
creating opportunity to contribute positively to their communities
Personal Growth
embracing self-determination leads to personal growth
Positive Impact on Mental Health
fostering a sense of inner peace, self-acceptance, and reduced feeling of helplessness or hopelessness
Resources
*It's important to note that while an ACEs-based music production program can offer numerous benefits, it should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health care. For individuals dealing with severe trauma or mental health issues, it's essential to have access to appropriate therapeutic support alongside any creative endeavors. Additionally, we've put together a list of helpful resources.
