Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Brooks Jones.
Hi Donald Brooks, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The facts are clear. We, that is, my generation, are now the elders. And it is not lost on me that too many lives and their stories — stories of leadership, inspiration, and wisdom — go untold, unappreciated, and lost to the ravages of time. We are the ones who will inform, counsel and share past legacies with those who come next. Of course, this is as it should be. Each generation passes the torch. The river continues to flow. With this understanding, we founded Alchemy Media Publishing Company to promote storytelling by those with stories to tell about their lives, their cultures, and their environment.
Our latest project, Time Machine Bronzeville, is an extension of the work we’re committed to do. It is a groundbreaking, immersive desktop app that explores Chicago’s South Side ca. 1940 during the Great Migration, Jim Crow segregation, and the Chicago Renaissance. This innovative storytelling approach, using game technology to share an important and underreported period of American history, is very exciting and rewarding and the next frontier in next-gen storytelling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road is never smooth, nor easy. Some of the struggles for Time Machine Bronzeville have included: assembling the right team of game developers, convincing the right voice talent and sound designers to join us in a shared vision, and, of course, raising capital to bring this enrichment experience to fruition. Time Machine Bronzeville lets visitors explore interactive locations, engage with animated characters, and delve into the experiences of South Side Chicago between the world wars.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We wanted to create a tool that not only educates but also engages and inspires. Growing up in Chicago, we were surrounded by stories and experiences that deserve to be shared. With Time Machine Bronzeville, we aim to shine a light on our community’s rich heritage and encourage a deeper appreciation for African American history.” In addition to its educational value, Time Machine Bronzeville contributes to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by incorporating archival materials and first-person oral histories to authentically portray lived experiences. By attracting new audiences to the exploration of African American history, Time Machine Bronzeville fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have a host of mentors and supporters, cheerleaders and advocates. First and foremost are my parents without whom none of our work is possible. It was their stories that fueled our ambitions and our dreams. My brother, business partner, and co-founder of Alchemy Media Publishing, Philip Mallory Jones, has lent his considerable talents as an internationally recognized media artist and scholar to help bring this very large dream to fruition.
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