The MixTape
Ages 11-14 (Preteens)
Album Name: B-Side Beginnings
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Album Description:
This age group is often in the earliest stage of identity formation—where belonging matters more than being different, and where emotions are big, but language is still catching up. B-Side Beginnings supports Brown middle school youth (ages 11–14) in beginning the process of understanding who they are, what they feel, and what it means to have a voice in the world. This track uses visuals, creativity, and movement to help youth explore themes of self-worth, culture, emotional expression, and confidence in safe, playful, and affirming ways.
Album Goals
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Support healthy racial, cultural, and emotional identity formation
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Introduce tools for emotional awareness and self-expression
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Foster a sense of belonging and trust in peer community
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Build early leadership through creativity and voice
Week 1
Track 1: The Intro - We Begin Here
Intended Outcome: Build group trust, set agreements, introduce metaphor of a mixtape​
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Theme: Agreements, community building, shared purpose​
Week 2
Track 2: Rooted - Where I'm From
Intended Outcome: Celebrate family, culture, and personal roots
​Theme: Culture, ancestry, and identity​​
Week 3
Track 3: Unmute - Breaking Silence
Intended Outcome: Name experiences of not being heard or understood
​Theme: Racism, oppression, internalized bias and silence
Week 4
​Track 4: Feel Everything - Emotional Realness
Intended Outcome: Recognize, name, and safely express emotions
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Theme: Emotional Awareness, regulation, trauma-informed healing
Week 5
Track 5: Love Notes - Self-worth & Radical Love
Intended Outcome: Nurture positive self-image and kindness toward self
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Theme: Reclaiming self-love, body respect, and worthiness
Week 6
​Track 6: Barz & Bagz - Money Stories
Intended Outcome: Begin thinking about needs, wants, and values
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Theme: Money beliefs, myths, and worth
Week 7
Track 7: Crew Love - Belonging & Boundaries
Intended Outcome: Reflect on friendships, trust, and personal space
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Theme: Relationships, trust, consent, and social dynamics
Week 8
​Track 8: My Expressions - Art & Voice
Intended Outcome: Encourage authentic expression through art
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Theme: Expression as healing and identity
Week 9
Track 9: The Remix - Redefining Leadership
​Intended Outcome: Explore what leadership looks like at this age
​Theme: Leadership as authenticity, vision, and service
Week 10
​Track 10: Future Drops - Dreaming Forward
Intended Outcome: Identify short-term and long-term goals
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Theme: Visioning, goal setting, and life design
Week 11
Track 11: The Cypher - Collective Power
Intended Outcome: Understand teamwork, kindness, and group responsibility
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Theme: Mutual aid, social justice, and systems change
Week 12
Track 12: The Album Release - Final Celebration
Intended Outcome: Celebrate growth and share creative expressions
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Theme: Culture, reflection, public celebration