On October 15, 2024, Spelman College partnered with Spotify to host Spotify NextGen: Pass the Mic, a conversation with Clarke Peoples, Lynae Vanee (C'2016), Jaz Turner (C'2019), and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, on the power of using your voice in the media industry. This one-day event celebrated the official opening of a new podcast studio on campus, fully outfitted with state-of-the-art podcasting and video recording equipment, gifted and refurbished by Spotify.
The studio is part of the Spotify NextGen Audio program, powered by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund, an initiative that includes academic scholarships awarded to five Spelman students, an on-campus Creator Day, and a targeted training programming for Spelman students, faculty and staff—resulting in the original podcast, Emmett Till: The Cultural Afterlife of an American Boy, produced entirely by Spelman students, under the instruction of Dr. Michelle Hite. The program supports students who are interested in producing their own content and gaining hands-on experience in journalism, media and audio production.
The evening began with an introduction by Kristin Jarrett, C’2007, Lead, Equity, Diversity & Impact at Spotify, who helped to bring the Spotify NextGen initiative to life along with the Creator Equity Fund team. “There is a perception out there that the industry is oversaturated with content creators and storytellers, and there’s a lot out there. But, the perspective that I want to hear is yours,” said Jarrett to the room full of aspiring Spelman students, staff and faculty.
Over the course of the event, Dr. Harden Bradford, host of Therapy for Black Girls, asked the women a variety of questions about creating authentic content, developing safe spaces, and maintaining longevity on social media. Each panelist shared their path to content creation, including their journey to curating their own authentic voice. “The way that I was able to grow fastest was through my vulnerability,” said Turner, a lifestyle and wellness influencer. “And I would argue that is going to apply to whatever you do in life.”
Lynae Vanee, three-time NAACP Image Award nominee, BET Culture Class of 2024 and content creator, said her discernment and integrity helps her decide what to speak about.
“No matter how hard it gets, how scary it gets, or who’s not going to support me because I’m willing to speak on certain things… Those things don’t matter, because my audience came here for my voice, so I have to maintain the integrity of that voice,” said Vanee, whose content gained popularity after her posts about the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.
During the Q+A, Spelman students asked the panelists insightful questions, including a question from Sofia Boyd, C’2025, who asked how the women navigate discussing serious topics while living a life that many consider frivolous.
“We’re breaking the mold and existing in the fullness that we are. It’s misogyny that makes us think that women have to be one thing in order to be manageable, and that’s not our job. It’s not our responsibility,” said Vanee.
When asked how they continue to evolve in their niche areas, Peoples spoke to the importance of sharing multiple aspects of your life and how it opened opportunities for her. She shared that this past summer, she was invited to cover the Olympics because of her ability to tell engaging stories about any topic.
“I’ve never talked about sports a day in my life. I would have never had an opportunity like that if I didn’t share every part of me,” said Peoples. “That’s what keeps you from ever feeling like you’re pigeonholed into one niche. Stay true to yourself rather than staying true to the trend.”
Following the panel, students stayed for a networking reception, where they had the opportunity to connect directly with the panelists and Spotify representatives, and learn more about media and content creation.
To culminate the event, Spotify announced that they will be following up with upcoming internship opportunities and next steps for Spelman students to access their new studio.
