Saquoia Denise Freeman
Freeman is a multimedia digital content producer with a Master’s of Science degree in multimedia Journalism from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications: Radio, TV, and Film from Liberty University.
Growing up as an Army Brat, has led Freeman to have a passion for world travel, human interest stories, documentaries, and photography. She has produced many multimedia pieces including a story on Black Women and HIV titled, “Our Epidemic, a short film she produced and directed at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California and a story on slavery and Christianity for Colonial Williamsburg.
In her spare time, she creates content for her YouTube channel(WittyIttyBittyMe) and takes international trips where she has filmed and photographed her experiences in Rwanda and Kenya.
Currently, Freeman is a Communications Specialist for The School District of Philadelphia where she produces multimedia digital content and manages social media and the social media director for Victory Church in Philadelphia.
How did you figure out what your passion is?
When I was younger, I really wanted to be in the entertainment field and write and produce sketches for shows like “All That” and “In Living Color”. My parents could tell you about all the cool ideas I had back then for producing content. So that passion for creativity has always been there but it wasn’t until my sophomore year in college when I realized exactly where my passion of producing digital content could take me.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
There are so many rewarding parts. I love the fact that I get to create digital content for the betterment of kids in the School District of Philadelphia. When I visit the schools, it’s rewarding for young people of color to see me, a female digital content producer, do what I do. I was once visiting a school and a little Black girl came up to me and asked, “Are you a photographer?” I said yea! She said, “Wow! I want to be a photographer like you when I grow up!”
Also, the fact that I let go of some fears a few years ago to create content that led to helping thousands of women all over the world has been super rewarding. I have videos on my YouTube channel that have gained thousands of viewers. I have received messages and comments from other women about how my videos really inspired them.
What else would you like to accomplish?
I would love to make another documentary. I have so many ideas. I’m also doing a solo trip overseas and I am going to film my experience.
I’ve never done a solo trip and it is totally out of my comfort zone. I really hope the videos inspire other women to travel the world and do something outside of their norm or comfort zone.
What advice would you give to other young people beginning their careers?
I have five nuggets of wisdom:
Never let others put negative labels on you.
Never let anyone step on your toes.
Don’t let your circumstances dictate your outcome.
Don’t let fear prevent you from getting your goals accomplished.
Don’t wait for the perfect time to create your content. Start now. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
What does being a part of the African Diaspora mean to you?
Being part of the African Diaspora means being part of a huge family. I have had great opportunities to travel to the continent of Africa. I’ve been to Rwanda once and Kenya twice. I’ve been to different islands in the Caribbean. I have extended family members and some friends who are Afro-Latinos. What I have seen and experienced, reminds me that I am part of a huge family. I feel blessed to know that I truly am my ancestors’ wildest dreams!
Nominated by Haniyyah Sharpe
