01
Creative Careers
Youth discover real roles in writing, lighting, sound, camera, producing, editing, directing and performance.
Since we can’t stop the violence…
Let’s start the peace
A short film becomes a conversation. A conversation becomes a choice. A choice can change a life.
01 / The Problem
Peace is not passive.
It is the presence of opportunity.
Violence doesn’t begin with a weapon. It begins with hopelessness, isolation and a lack of opportunity. Start the Peace shifts the conversation from reacting to violence to proactively creating peace.
02 / The Idea
St. Louis • 12–18 minutes
Real choices. Real consequences.
A story built to be watched together.
The grounded short narrative follows everyday moments where choosing peace can change lives. It avoids glorifying violence and creates room for reflection, accountability and honest conversation.
- 01Local cast and crew where possible
- 02School and city-based screenings
- 03Guided post-film conversations
- 04A repeat-use educational resource
06 / The Impact
From screen to community
We turn creative energy into pathways.
02
Community Dialogue
Guided screenings give students, families and educators a safe place to talk through choices and consequences.
03
Peace in Action
Events, school partnerships and citywide engagement turn a message into a visible, lasting movement.
03 / What We Do
Creating opportunities. Building leaders. Strengthening communities.
Purpose becomes a pathway.
Every Start the Peace program equips young people with the skills, relationships and confidence they need to succeed—while bringing communities together through positive action.
01
Lights. Camera. Purpose.
Youth Media Academy
- Filmmaking
- Acting
- Screenwriting
- Photography
- Podcasting
- Video Editing
- Camera Operation
- Lighting & Sound
Outcome Students leave with technical skills, teamwork experience and professional portfolios.
02
Creativity builds confidence.
Music & Creative Arts
- Music Production
- Songwriting
- Recording
- Spoken Word
- Poetry
- Dance
- Live Performance
- Creative Writing
Outcome Young people discover their voice while developing discipline and self-expression.
03
Someone who believes in you.
Mentorship & Leadership
- Community Leaders
- Business Owners
- Artists
- Educators
- Entrepreneurs
- College Students
- Skilled Professionals
Outcome Positive relationships that inspire growth and long-term success.
04
Preparing tomorrow’s leaders today.
Career & Workforce Development
- Resume Building
- Interview Skills
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Literacy
- Internships
- Business Etiquette
- Career Exploration
Outcome Practical preparation for college, careers and business ownership.
05
Leadership through service.
Community Impact
- Peace Walks
- Community Cleanups
- Neighborhood Beautification
- Food Drives
- Volunteer Projects
- School Partnerships
Outcome Young people learn leadership by giving back and strengthening their communities.
06
Bringing the community together.
Signature Events
- Start the Peace Fest
- Community Screenings
- Youth Showcases
- Artist Workshops
- Family Fun Days
- Business Networking
- Community Conversations
Outcome Events that celebrate creativity, unity and positive change.
The Start the Peace Experience
From discovery to leadership.
- 01DiscoverFind your passion.
- 02LearnBuild valuable skills.
- 03CreateTurn ideas into projects.
- 04ServeMake a difference.
- 05LeadInspire others.
“The film becomes a conversation starter—not just a viewing experience.”
04 / Who It’s For
Youth-centered. Community-powered.
Built for young people—and everyone invested in their future.
Founders & Creative Leadership
Rooted in St. Louis, Start the Peace combines cultural influence, filmmaking and community organizing to create opportunities young people can see, enter and build upon.
KyJuan Cleveland
Community organizer, filmmaker and entrepreneur leading the initiative’s creative vision, youth engagement and community partnerships through storytelling, events and opportunity.
Murphy Lee
Grammy Award-winning artist and entrepreneur whose influence bridges generations and strengthens the initiative’s visibility, trust, cultural connection and creative reach.
05 / How to Participate
There is a place for you in the movement.
Choose how you’ll start the peace.
Join a Program
Young people can discover their passion, build skills and create real work through media, arts, leadership and career programs.
I want to participate →Volunteer or Mentor
Share your time, experience and encouragement through workshops, service projects, screenings and youth mentorship.
I want to help →Host or Partner
Schools, businesses and organizations can host programs, screenings, conversations, internships and community events.
Let’s work together →Support the Mission
Sponsors and donors help expand production, outreach and access for young people across St. Louis.
Support Start the Peace →07 / Support / Join
$25,000
Produce a film. Open a dialogue. Help young people see another choice.
Your support advances production, post-production, a three-month release campaign, and school and city screenings with guided discussion.
Start a partnership conversation$15KFilm production
$5KCommunity screenings
$5KMarketing + outreach