Nurture Creativity and Empower New Voices: Support BTBSN
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Hi, I'm Aaleah Oliver, Chief Operating Officer of the BlackteaBrownsuga Network (BTBSN), and I'm reaching out to ask for your support.
As a musician and artist, I've personally benefited from BTBSN’s open mic nights, showcases, and spaces for healing through conversation with trauma-informed mentors. Now, we need your help to raise $350,000 to keep our lounge space open and ensure our community programs can continue through 2027.
The BlackteaBrownsuga Network is a multimedia research and community organization that uses music, media, and mental health support to help individuals overcome barriers in their lives. We provide a safe, welcoming space for all ages:
- Our after-school program offers a drop-in space for youth to collaborate, develop media and production skills, and showcase their work.
- Evening clubs allow creatives of all ages to exchange stories and build community.
- Weekend events offer adults a place to connect, reflect, and express themselves freely, away from the demands of daily life.
- Our Creative Apprenticeship Program provides individualized support, professional development opportunities, resources, and space for creatives of all ages.
- We also offer emergency financial support to creatives in need.
Since 2019, over 200 creatives from all over Pittsburgh—including myself—have found a supportive space to decompress, create, and grow. This "third space" has nurtured us holistically through conversation, accountability, and programs that foster empathy and self-love.
BTBSN is open over 160 hours each month and offers 24-hour mental health support resources. Your donation will go a long way in helping us reach our goal:
- $7.15 sponsors 1 hour of operations.
- $28 sponsors 4 hours of media skill-building and safe drop-in space for up to 8 youth.
- $57 sponsors a full day of community programming for all ages.
- $114 covers a week of youth programming.
- $1,710 sustains a month of operations at our lounge.
We’re also facing immediate needs:
- $339 will get us current on Wi-Fi.
- $750 will cover our gas bill to prevent a shutoff.
- $629 will cover our sewage bill to prevent a water service termination.
Your support will help us reach our $350,000 goal to cover rent, utilities, facilitator fees, and program supplies for the next three years.
Any amount you can give makes a difference. Thank you for helping us keep this vital space open for our community.
Fundraising team (3)
Dominic A Harris
Organizer
Stowe Township, PA
Aaleah Oliver
Team member
Ishara Henry
Team member