MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A Milwaukee man is using his experience in the media industry to help youth in the city. He’s providing them a pathway to business ownership. 

Mwanje Thompson has a passion for sharing stories through audio. He wants to share that passion with the youth in the city. 

He said it’s why he created Brilliant Voices.  

Brilliant Voices is a free audio program that creates a pathway to business ownership. It teaches Black and Brown youth, and justice-involved individuals how to create, record, distribute and monetize their podcast. 

The mission is to kickstart a career in audio production, screenwriting, broadcasting or media development.

“My goal is to make sure Black and Brown voices have the opportunity to tell their own stories, but most importantly make money from their own stories,” said Thomson. 

Thompson said currently, there are little to no programs for Black and Brown youth and justice-involved individuals to enter the media industry. 

This program is designed for youth between the ages of 10-17 that want to learn skills in our three pillars, podcasting, entrepreneurship, and technology.

He does this full time as an educator for Upgrade Media Arts Schools. 

“I am really excited for all of the people that are out there championing Black and Brown voices and I know we can all get together and have a great opportunity to change the way we tell our stories,” said Thompson. 

Mwanje said he wants to inspire youth to explore their talents and skills and use them in the right ways. 

“We all know about the Kia boys and Kia girls,” he said. “Instead of stealing these Kia cars, why not start a podcast about Kia cars, where you can create a brand partnership with Kia. Now you’re making money instead of having to steal the cars. I know there are great youth in the city that just need an opportunity to change their lifestyle.” 

He runs the recording studio out of the Ambition Center, a Black-owned co-working space in Milwaukee. 

Through these classes, eighth grader Jacob King was able to start his very own podcast, where he talks about all things sports. 

“I just want to keep this passion,” said King. “I don’t want to ever lose it. I’m just going to keep going, have my head straight and just be confident.” 

King’s known as “The Kid Commentator.” He said this is a passion that he’s dedicated countless of hours to and he couldn’t have done it without the help of Brilliant Voices. 

“I don’t think my podcast would be here,” he said. “It kind of made me fall in love with sports way more.” 

There are more stories to be shared and Thompson said he wants to make sure he provides the resources needed to do so. 

“Don’t be afraid to tell your own story,” said Thompson. “Whatever you want to tell, you have the right and the privilege to tell your story. So do that and do it fearlessly and wonderfully.” 

He’ll help more youth along the way, one mic at a time.