June 2024

Progress Newsletter

By Cayman Bentley, PVF Program and Communications Associate

We recently attended the Juneteenth No Code Augmented Reality (AR) Hackathon, held at Commune in Oakland. PVF was one of a number of community sponsors for this event hosted by Damien McDuffie, the visionary behind Black Terminus AR, that was a celebration of art, technology, and community empowerment. Damien, a creative technologist educated at Columbia University, founded Black Terminus AR with a mission to democratize augmented reality. The app turns any smartphone into a portable AR studio, empowering artists and creators to bring their visions to life in the digital realm.

The hackathon was not just about competition; it was a collaborative learning experience. Renowned experts led workshops that spanned the spectrum of AR and creative technology. Jasmine Roberts kicked off with "Introduction to Snap AR Filters," offering insights into the playful world of augmented reality effects. Princely Hope-Glorious delved into "Immersive Storytelling with AI," exploring how AI can enhance narratives in AR experiences. Calvin Williams, founder of Wakanda Dream Lab, brought his expertise to the event with a workshop on "Animating Faces for AR," blending animation techniques with augmented reality for expressive digital characters. Joshua Harris and Steven Christian rounded out the lineup, contributing their knowledge and passion to workshops that covered everything from technical skills to artistic vision. One standout workshop was led by Damien himself, focusing on "Bringing Family Archives to Life." Here, participants learned how to use AR to animate and preserve personal histories, turning old photographs and documents into interactive digital stories.

Beyond the workshops, the hackathon fostered a sense of community among attendees. Artists, technologists, and enthusiasts alike came together to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and push the boundaries of what is possible with AR technology. The timing of the hackathon during Juneteenth added a deeper layer of significance. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States—an occasion to reflect on freedom, history, and progress. By hosting the event during this meaningful time, Damien and the organizers highlighted the intersection of technology, art, and social justice.

Events like the Juneteenth No Code AR Hackathon are not just about showcasing technical prowess; they are about fostering creativity, inclusivity, and innovation. They empower individuals to explore new technologies, share stories, and celebrate diverse perspectives through art and digital mediums.

As we reflect on the success of this hackathon, let's continue to support and celebrate initiatives that push the boundaries of creativity and technology. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the tools and opportunities to express themselves and shape our digital landscape. Whether you're an artist, a technologist, or simply curious about the intersection of art and technology, events like these welcome all who are eager to learn, create, and innovate. Keep an eye out for future hackathons and events in your community—they could be the spark that ignites your next big idea or collaboration. Let's celebrate creativity, embrace technology, and empower one another to build a brighter, more inclusive future.

All photos courtesy of Damien and the Hackathon team.

By Sheryl Young, PVF's San Mateo County Program Director

Have you ever wondered why so many playgrounds are inaccessible for everyone? Two local moms created a movement to transform playgrounds so that all children can play together using the latest research in accessibility and safety.

Magical Bridge designs playgrounds for all ages and abilities by removing the physical and social barriers of today’s typical playgrounds to give everyone in the community a place to play, learn, and connect.

PVF is proud to support a new Magical Bridges Learning Lab to be developed at Foothill Community College. Students studying Child Development will be able to use this outdoor laboratory to deepen their knowledge of children of all ages and abilities.

Savannah Lira, Program Officer, is responsible for program management and development, as well as communication materials at PVF. She is an AmeriCorps Alum and has a background in economic development and grantwriting.