Back in Spring 2005, while pursuing a Master’s at Cornell University, I was fortunate enough to take part in a workshop course connected to the Growing up in Cities project and led by David Driskell.
As students of this participatory research project, we were tasked with one dimension which included going to NYC and engaging with the youth points of contact who navigated through their neighborhoods with us as we documented aspects of the city environment, through their viewpoint.
It was my introduction to participatory research and I loved it. I think back to this experience of walking these (marginalized) urban environments with these youth ambassadors to learn more via their insight and lived experience inhabiting these places.
Growing up in Cities has roots in a 1970’s project! Participatory practices are not new and so many great examples of projects from over the decades exist to reference and learn from.
This was easily one of my favorite courses / workshops during my entire graduate experience. I look forward to designing such experiences for students as well.
