Crew 75 Makes Meaningful Impact at ‘A Place Called Home’
Crew 75 Interns Volunteer at South Central LA After-School Program
Six members of the Alabama A&M University student creative content team traveled to Los Angeles to cover the Honda Battle of the Bands, but their mission extended beyond social media coverage and brand activations. Members of the award-winning internship program - Crew 75 - also dedicated their time to giving back. Embracing AAMU’s motto, “Service is Sovereignty,” they spent an afternoon volunteering at “A Place Called Home” (APCH), a nonprofit after-school program serving 400 K-12 students in South Central Los Angeles.
A Warm Welcome and a Shared Mission
Bernyce Talley, Associate Director of Arts & Creative Expressions at APCH and a proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University, greeted Crew 75 and introduced them to students and staff while sharing the organization’s mission.
“I am just so thrilled you all are here,” Talley expressed. “When we heard you wanted to volunteer, we said ‘Absolutely!’ Seeing you here, engaging with our kids, and inspiring them to ask questions about college and careers is so powerful. It shows them that they, too, can pursue their dreams.”
More Than an After-School Program
APCH provides a comprehensive range of free resources, including academic tutoring, counseling, and nutrition programs. Its industrial kitchen serves free warm meals year-round while offering culinary arts classes. The program also fosters creativity and personal growth through music, dance, sports, civic engagement, vocational training, college scholarships, entrepreneurship, and job placement assistance. Families receive critical support, including food, clothing, rent assistance, and appliances.
During their tour, Crew 75 students explored APCH’s cutting-edge digital media and graphic arts lab, where students learn animation, stop-motion filmmaking, and scriptwriting. They also visited a fully equipped recording studio, where APCH collaborates with USC and local musicians to teach songwriting and instrumental performance.
Building Connections and Creating Art
Crew 75 quickly immersed themselves, bonding with students over basketball games and meaningful conversations. Later, they rolled up their sleeves to assist with two bulletin boards celebrating Black History Month, collaborating with APCH students to bring their creative visions to life.
“It’s so important for Alabama A&M to be here because representation matters,” said Talley. “It’s not very often that our young people are exposed to Black people in college and from higher education. I’ve made it my mission to introduce them to HBCUs, showing them that no matter their background, HBCUs will welcome you."
Lasting Impressions and Open Invitations
As the day came to an end, APCH invited Crew 75 to watch its dance team rehearse for an upcoming performance and extended an open invitation for future visits. The experience left a lasting impact on both the volunteers and the students they met.
“I had so much fun,” said AAMU senior Toni Herring from Sacramento, California. “I told my brother he should volunteer here, and I definitely want to come back.”
Through their time at APCH, Crew 75 not only documented an important cultural event
but also exemplified the spirit of service, proving that storytelling and community
engagement go hand in hand. You can see Crew 75's work on all AAMU social media.
This year, Alabama A&M University celebrates 150 years. Join the campaign by supporting Crew 75 or any AAMU initiative today.
(Photo L-R) Jaden Wills (JR, Atlanta), Trinity Shipman (JR, Nashville), Toni Herring (JR, Sacramento, CA), Bernyce Talley (APCH), Alexis Powell (SR, Birmingham, AL), Jeremiah McDow (SR, Huntsville, AL), Lorenzo Hawkins (SOPH, Nashville)