Amherst Media's Capital Campaign

Jim Lescault • Dec 11, 2023

Join Us in Creating the Dr. Demetria Rougeaux Shabazz Center for Media Arts

At Amherst Media's 48th annual meeting, Executive Director Jim Lescault and Board President Vira Douangmany announced the Dr. Demetria Rougeaux Shabazz Center for Media Arts.

To be constructed at the corner of Main and Gray streets, the 1.5 story Greek Revival building has received approvals from various town boards, with fundraising for what had been projected to be a $1.3 million building.

Shabazz was considered a visionary leader at Amherst Media and for the town of Amherst.

"Dr. Shabazz was steadfast in her support for free speech and providing the venue for diverse community voices, dedicating herself to promoting and enhancing Amherst Media's presence in the Amherst area," Lescault said. "She saw the need to own our facility for sustainability. It is now up to us to pull through the last hurdle of building the new facility."

The new building, within walking distance of the middle and high schools, will have a television studio and podcasting studio and will serve as a media training site for youth and community members. Government transparency will continue and be enhanced by broadcasting and archiving all Amherst Town Council and School Committee meetings, and recording important town events.

"Brick by brick, dollar by dollar, we will accomplish it together and we will make history together to make real that Amherst will now have its first building to be named after a Black woman," President Douangmany said.

Support This Project

Amherst's Technology and Media Center since 1976

Amherst Media has been committed to supporting relevant values in order to bridge the digital divide and raise the voices of our community, such as:

Localism
Freedom of Expression
Media Literacy
Government Transparency
Venue for Civic Engagement & Participation

This Can Become a Reality with Your Help

Amherst Media is funded by donations, membership feed, and 5% of Comcast cable revenue. We are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.

Providing Venue for Media-Making and Creative Expression

This new hub for creative expression will provide training and access to the latest technology to any member of our diverse community, with an effort to create a welcoming environment to individuals and organizations working to unify community-building initiatives.

Amherst Media is committed to expanding local news coverage, keeping a spotlight on local government, and enabling community members of all ages and experience levels to develop new skills for a changing world.

Because We Believe in the Importance of Community-Led Media

Amherst Media's new facility at Main and Gray Street will provide the organization sustainability through ownership, and increase visibility and accessibility. It will be nearer to Downtown Amherst on a major traffic artery, walking distance from the High and Middle schools, with a bus stop in front of the building.