URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois Public Media has partnered with The Communiversity Public Media Project to launch Teen Summit 2.0: The Remix, a new multi-platform civic media initiative and television program designed to elevate youth voices, encourage informed dialogue, and help develop the next generation of civic leaders.
Announced in Urbana, the initiative builds on the legacy of BET’s original Teen Summit from the 1990s, reimagining the format as a contemporary debate and discussion series. The program will bring teenagers together to engage in respectful conversations on complex civic issues while strengthening media literacy, communication skills, and personal expression.
The project is supported by Sheila Johnson, CEO of the Salamander Collection, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, and a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumna. Johnson played a key role in the creation of the original Teen Summit and said the new iteration carries forward its foundational mission.
“I am incredibly excited to support ‘Teen Summit 2.0: The Remix,’ a new chapter that builds on the legacy of the original ‘Teen Summit’ I helped to create at BET,” Johnson said. “Bringing this project to life through a partnership with my alma mater makes it especially meaningful.”
The initiative also receives support from the State of Illinois, with legislative leadership from Rep. Carol Ammons, to advance youth-centered civic dialogue through public television.
Dr. Malaika McKee, creator and co-executive producer of Teen Summit 2.0: The Remix, said the project honors the original program while expanding its reach through public media and education. “Young people bring sophisticated perspectives to complex issues,” McKee said. “This partnership allows us to honor the legacy of the original program while expanding its reach through public media, education, and community-centered storytelling.”
Youth culture is central to the program’s approach, with hip-hop serving as a historical and cultural framework that informs its pedagogy and presentation. The initiative emphasizes critical thinking, media literacy, and civic participation while acknowledging the diverse cultural influences shaping today’s teens.
Reginald Hardwick, co-executive producer and news and public affairs director at Illinois Public Media, said the program aims to provide a positive platform for youth engagement. “This program gives teenagers a space to showcase their knowledge and viewpoints in a respectable way,” Hardwick said. “It’s about elevating youth voices through thoughtful engagement across platforms and generations.”