Marshall x Awake NY Empower Youth Alongside Queens Museum
We’re in New York City this week meeting with Marshall, Awake NY, and the Queens Museum. And we’re here working together to uplift some of the voices of the borough’s youth, who took center stage in a groundbreaking workshop aimed at empowering teens to share their stories through the medium of zine printing.
Combining creativity, mindfulness, and cultural heritage to create a transformative experience for participants, the workshop offered them tools to express their narratives and connect with their community.
“At the heart of the Queens Teens Institute for Art & Social Justice, through the Queens Museum, is a commitment to breaking down barriers to the arts, creative industries, and museum spaces," explained Kimaada Le Gendre, the Director of Education & Community Engagement at the Queens Museum. "Innovative artmaking workshops like this one provide young people with a powerful platform to express themselves, share their stories, and develop their leadership potential. By connecting youth with Queens-proud creatives and leaders like Angelo, we create opportunities for them to access, engage, and thrive. This level of representation inspires and empowers the next generation to lead with confidence, creativity, and purpose.”
Things kicked-off with an unexpected yet deeply impactful activity: meditation. Led by Angelo Baque and Kenji Summers, the session encouraged participants to reflect on their personal experiences and connect with their inner selves. Angelo, a Queens native and co-leader of the workshop, shared his personal journey, highlighting the importance of learning from mistakes and cultivating gratitude. He explained how this process of self-awareness informed his creative work and inspired his involvement in the project.
Kenji brought a unique perspective, connecting mindfulness to streetwear and music. Drawing on the legacy of artists like A Tribe Called Quest, who themselves hailed from Queens, Kenji underscored the symbiotic relationship between balance in personal style and inner peace. Participants meditated to the iconic track “Award Tour,” immersing themselves in the music’s vibrations while practicing breathwork, setting the stage for a safe, open, and creative environment where teens could feel supported to explore and express their stories.
With the foundation of mindfulness successfully laid, participants transitioned into the creative process of zine printing. Angelo and Kenji emphasized the connection between meditation and creativity: both require focus, presence, and the ability to channel emotions into meaningful output. Teens were encouraged to delve into their daily lives, neighborhoods, and unique perspectives, turning these experiences into compelling narratives for their zines.
One of the participants, Ariadna, told us how much the day meant to her as she reflected on her final year of high school. “As a senior in high school, it’s been years since I had the chance to participate in such a fun and lighthearted arts and crafts workshop, and I am honestly so grateful for it,” she shared. “I really enjoyed the zines specifically because I got to utilize my own experiences and my personal outlook on the world to create this piece that was fully unique to myself and the world that only I see. It was great to be able to share this with my friends and family and witness all of the fun reactions as they pointed out their special features and the people they recognize.”
The workshop was not just about teaching technical skills but about empowerment through creativity. The teens explored themes of identity, resilience, and community, learning how to amplify their voices in a world that often marginalizes youth perspectives. By the end of the day, each participant had created a tangible representation of their story—a zine that reflected their individual story.
Another participant, Lashae, was touched by the change to share her creativity through physical mediums. “It was so cool to see my own photography captured and displayed in a physical media that shows a representation of who I am, and my daily experiences. This workshop was able to broaden my knowledge on the arts and explore more creative mediums.”
The stories shared during the workshop showcased the richness and diversity of NYC youth experiences. One participant reflected on listening to Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love” while their mother braided their hair, revealing how music was a vessel for deep familial bond. Others drew inspiration from their surroundings, capturing the complexities of growing up in Queens, the single most diverse part of the entire US.
These narratives are more than personal—they are cultural contributions that enrich the broader conversation. Angelo noted the vulnerability participants displayed after the meditation, an uncommon but powerful moment for teens accustomed to shielding their emotions. This openness carried into their creative work, resulting in zines that were raw, authentic, and resonant.
The success of the workshop was a testament to the collaborative efforts of Marshall, Awake NY, and the Queens Museum. As Angelo highlighted, growing up in Queens often meant looking outside the borough for opportunities in the arts. This initiative sought to change that narrative by providing young creatives with resources and role models within their own community.
“I felt excited to be a part of this workshop as I rarely ever get to participate in these types of events,” shared another participant named Magni. “It was a breath of fresh air, and it calmed me and helped me relieve stress from all my school work and instrument work I’ve been doing.”
As the day drew to a close, participants celebrated their achievements, holding their zines as tangible reminders of their growth and creativity. Angelo reflected on the significance of the moment: “What stood out was the level of vulnerability after the meditation. The participants shared how they felt. This is not common practice for teens, and especially New Yorkers, to strip their armor and get honest and vulnerable. And then to take this energy to inspire their zines.”
The impact of the workshop extends beyond the printed pages. By equipping teens with the tools to tell their stories, this initiative has planted seeds for future creativity and connection. The practice of meditation, accessible to all and cost-free, offers a lifelong tool for introspection and artistic expression. For many participants, the experience of working alongside figures like Angelo and Kenji—who exemplify the integration of mindfulness and creativity—will serve as a lasting source of inspiration.
Initiatives like this remind us of the importance of listening, creating, and building community. As Angelo put it, “Making for yourself but also making a world for others—the art of creation and meditation isn’t just for yourself but also for others.”
Discover more about the Queens Teens Institute for Art and Social Justice and find out how you can support the Queens Museum’s transformative community initiatives.
