South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
At 16, this Plantation podcaster offers ‘A Little Perspective’
When her social activities came grinding to a halt because of the coronavirus pandemic, 16-year-old Plantation resident Halima Attah, like many teens, began to rely primarily on technology to communicate with her peers.
But Attah wasn’t posting TikTok videos or pictures of her Starbucks order on Instagram.
Instead, to inspire teens to think and talk about serious issues, the Fort
Lauderdale High junior launched a podcast, called “A Little Perspective.”
“My series is dedicated to exploring the real experiences and issues encountered by a typical student in a Western society,” reads the introductory blurb for her series.
Attah began to conceptualize the podcast while the Black Lives Matter movement was gaining traction on social media after the killing of George Floyd in late May. “There was a lot of misinformation out there,” she said. “I wanted to help inform people my age.”
When asked why she chose a podcast specifically, Attah explained that this felt like the best way to reach her teen audience. “My target demographic is opposed to reading for leisure,” she said, matter-of-factly. “And I also chose a podcast due to its convenient nature. People can listen while they’re doing other things.
And there’s no need to look at a screen.” She also felt that hearing her voice was important in conveying her thoughts. “My voice would amplify my authenticity,” she reasoned.
Attah is also a fan of the medium. Her favorite podcasts include Emma Chamberlain’s “Anything Goes” and “Short Wave” from NPR.
The premier episode of “A Little Perspective,” titled “First!”, was released in July and examined the cultural differences between those who identify as “African American” and those who call themselves “Black American.” Attah, who was born to Ghannian parents, discussed the historic and cultural distinctions and similarities between these two groups. “I received feedback from one peer about that episode,” she said. “And this student said it had improved their work as a student activist.”
Another episode explored academic burnout in teens. “I surveyed 100 high-schoolers in the area to get their take on the topic. I had posted it on Instagram and asked people to pass it around to students at different schools,” said Attah, who uses social media to engage her listeners. She also credits sources including The New York Times, the National Library of Medicine and NPR when researching her show topics.
“A Little Perspective” has also covered the lack of arts funding in public schools, the perils versus advantages of advancements in technology and the drawbacks of online school during the pandemic. In “The Power of the Vote” episode, Attah challenged the “I can’t” mentality, the attitude that an individual citizen is powerless in making meaningful changes in government. “You can’t complain about issues in this country and not use your right to elect those who you feel would fix them,” she asserted in the episode.
Throughout the podcast, Attah conveys a confidence and worldliness of someone much older than her 16 years. But the youthful lilt in her speech reminds the listener of her age and connects Attah with her target teen audience. Perhaps most refreshing is the unpolished, unedited quality of “A Little Perspective,” during which Attah stays tightly focused on her topic without sounding rehearsed. Listening to these early recordings, it’s not hard to imagine that before long, we’ll look back on these as our very first exposure to an influential American voice.
So far, Attah has not received any negative reviews of her work, but when she does, she’ll be ready. “I am my biggest critic. If I was met with [criticism], I wouldn’t be offended. I am eager to see where I can improve.”
Brooke Henderson, a student at Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in New York City, has served as a mentor to Attah. “We’re always hearing from the adult side on these issues,” said Henderson. “I’m so impressed with someone her age growing up with the mentality that everyone impacts everyone. It’s refreshing.”
Henderson has helped Attah by sending her some of the podcasting resources her fellow journalism students have access to, as well as connecting her with established podcasters including Maddie Sofia, host of “Short Wave.”
“For her to be doing this so early will uplift her in the future. As a black woman, it’s important for her to be learning that she can do anything. Anything she’s interested in, she can do,” added Henderson.
Attah credits her parents for instilling the drive to see her project through, despite obstacles. “They’ve shown me a lot about commitment, just like when I was little and took piano lessons,” she said.
“Back when I was making my earlier episodes, I wanted to take a break. I wasn’t getting enough downloads, I thought. But they told me that I needed to be grateful even if I was only reaching one person. They said to keep at it and I would be successful.”
And to other teenagers who have something important to say, she offers this advice: “We have an abundance of time right now. It’s important to use the time to do research and educate yourself. Seek insight from your peers, use social media to spread the word and just go for it! The longer you wait, the less likely it is that you’ll do it.”
“A Little Perspective” is available from the usual podcast apps and by visiting Alittleperspective. buzzsprout.com.