Community Voice Lab at American University

With dreams of becoming an American citizen to provide a better life for his family, a Ghanian maintenance worker enlists the help of two elderly residents of a Virginia retirement community to prepare for the biggest test of his life: the US citizenship exam.

Sheila White, 59, dreams of becoming a photojournalist and overcoming her experience of homelessness. As a reporter investigating the story of “Tent City” for the local street paper, Sheila discovers the power of her voice as a community journalist and the re-humanizing effects of life’s most basic need: a place to call home.

We Rock! follows Gracen, a young professional in D.C., as they face stage fright at an adult music retreat for women and non-binary indiviuals. Over one empowering weekend, Gracen learns drums, forms a band, and performs an original song – discovering courage, joy, and community through Girls Rock! DC’s belief that everyone deserves to rock.

When war breaks out in Syria, Chef Abu Yamen sells his restaurant to rescue his family and resettle in the U.S. There, he opens the first Syrian-owned restaurant in Northern Virginia. Through food and memory, Refugee’s Recipe shares his journey of rebuilding lie, honoring sacrifice, and finding hope in every dish.

Set amid Washington D.C.’s shifting political landscape, Not In the Public Interest follows federal employees facing layoffs, policy changes, and uncertainty. Against the fleeting beauty of the city’s cherry blossoms, their stories capture the quiet resilience of everyday people caught in systems beyond their control.

After fleeing her home country, a young woman finds purpose in helping others like herself through a medical assistance program. As she trains her future healers, her true mission becomes empowering students to rediscover their worth and belonging in a new country.

In Southeast D.C., a mentor named Kil supports youth through Horton’s Kids while coping with the loss of one to gun violence. When another teen is robbed at gunpoint, Kil helps him process the trauma through art and expression, revealing how showing up can transform pain into resilience.

In Her Court follows Jaylah King, a 14-year-old basketball prodigy already attracting Division I attention. As she chases her dream, Jaylah navigates pressure, sacrifice, and family expectations while redefining what it means to be a young female athlete in control of her own future.

Wildlife rehabilitator Catherine rescues an injured crown named Apollo, who grows into a beloved ambassador for her Virginia rehabilitation facility. But when Apollo begins speaking human words, Catherine must decide whether to let him go and reach his full potential – or hold on to the bond they’ve built.

Daron, a young man with a disability, struggles to find work while managing bills and his fear of public transportation. To move forward, he must confront his anxiety and take the first step toward independence, opportunity, and community.