STORIES BY SHELBY E. HAWKINS
Journalist
ABOUT ME
Washington, DC-based multimedia journalist
Shelby holds a Bachelor's in Multimedia Photojournalism from Columbia College Chicago, and an M.A. in Civic Media, from the same institution.
Prior to moving to the nation's capital, she co-produced documentary, Sankofa Chicago.
She currently works as a Production Assistant for NPR's Morning Edition and Up First.
In her free time she practices yoga and binge watches reality shows.
FINDING [FOOD] JUSTICE
Finding [Food] Justice is the story of long-time Chicago resident, LaShawn Miller. The west-sider works full time as an audio/visual engineer, and she’s also a farmer. Miller’s passion lies in gardening, community health and food justice - her plot of land is fittingly called “Finding Justice Vegetable and Flower Garden.” The conflict of the film lies in her community, Austin, which is a food desert. Miller aspires to not only bring healthy and affordable produce to Austin, but to also teach the community about nutrition and food justice. Along with several other food justice advocates and Austin natives, this film examines the burden individuals carry as they attempt to solve the issue of food accessibility in their neighborhood.
Sankofa Chicago
Sankofa is an hour-long documentary that addresses Black people’s desire to better understand where we come from and how our history affects where we are going. I worked as the primary cinematographer and co-producer.
It's an official selection at Cannes World Film Festival 2021.
Yassa
Yassa is the story of Senegalese immigrants, Madieye and Awa Gueye. They own and operate a small, popular African restaurant called Yassa in Bronzeville, Chicago: a historical hub for the city’s African American culture and identity. The heart of the establishment, and film, is Awa, who is also the main chef as she works seven days a week cooking for the community.
PORTFOLIO OF WORK
Past. Present. Future.
VISUAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
This is a visual, annotated bibliography for my practicum project, which highlights food justice advocacy.
You can view the full project on Miro.
COVID-19: WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Along with my Radio and Audio Documentary Spring 2021 class, I helped to create an hour-long radio story detailing the lives of small business owners, immigrant families and essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
It premiered on Chicago's WCRX in May 2021.
You can listen to it here.
