Black-owned business spotlight: Charlotte Youth Broadcasting Camp

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Antriece Mitchell has a deep passion for what she does. After spending her life delivering motivational speeches and interviewing influential people, athletes and actors for her business, Heirs of Legends Media, she decided to use her expertise to impact others, especially children.

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That’s when Mitchell, referred to as Ms. Antriece, started the Charlotte Youth Broadcasting Camp seven years ago. She gives aspiring young broadcasters a glimpse of what the world of media and broadcasting is really like.

“They always ask me how does it feel to interview Lebron James or Ray Allen and Idris Elba, and I would tell them, but they don’t really have a sense of what it’s really like. That’s how it started,” Ms. Antrice said.

“I wanted to provide a camp that could give kids a glimpse of what it's like to be a broadcaster and in the media.”

Her camp encourages youths to work with each other while combining diversity, broadcast media and technology in the broadcasting world. They learn the fundamentals of broadcasting, including news reporting, radio hosting and sports reporting. The camp is a great way to break the fear of public speaking, teaching participants how to articulate themselves and encouraging writing.

Parents send their children from across the United States to take part in her one-of-a-kind youth broadcasting camp. Kids have the option of staying overnight or just for the day. Campers are also offered home-cooked meals.

According to Ms. Antriece, it’s very important to have black-, women- and minority-owned businesses. “If people look at actual statistics and facts, the majority of small business enterprises are started by minorities and most by African American women," she said. "It is important to incorporate the culture of black businesses among all other cultures. Blacks have a lot to offer.”

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When Ms. Antriece speaks at conferences, she emphasizes that just because a person's business is small doesn't mean it can't do big business. She thinks small businesses hold economic power and are the glue of big businesses.

“My dream is to leave a legacy. I hope to be the essence of inspiration for others who hope to do the same. It’s not all about making money. It’s about offering a good or a service that can fill a demand to others,” said Ms. Antriece.

“I want others to say, 'If she can do it, then perhaps I can do it, too.'”

For more information on Charlotte Youth Broadcasting Camp, click here.