MVP3 Foundation Challenges Media Controversy by Amplifying Student Voices

MVP3 Foundation Challenges Media Controversy by Amplifying Student Voices
(MEMPHIS, TN) – October 20, 2025

Marie Pizano, President of the MVP3 Foundation, became aware of the viral story that ended in the termination of a journalist and reflected on her own relationship with the publication, as well as her experience in public responsibility, utilizing her voice to initiate a mission to transform pain into purpose, amplify marginalized voices, and promote integrity in media.

The MVP3 Foundation delivers summer camps and high school programs, collaborates with colleges to provide hands-on training in film, television, journalism, radio, and creative arts, and showcases guest speakers from the industry to augment student opportunities and education in the entertainment industry.

“Throughout my interactions over the years with the publication that recently terminated a journalist, I have consistently maintained respect for the publication due to its journalists' comprehensive coverage and in-depth reporting, which includes the journalist whose story of termination went viral. The publication has even reported on our initiatives and personal story with integrity. Our foundation's mission is to amplify marginalized voices, utilizing art to promote healthier trauma recovery while promoting empathy and unity in Memphis, particularly during this tumultuous period of political discord. Having navigated adversity, we recognize that overcoming these challenges necessitates collaborative efforts to support our youth and safeguard freedom of speech.

Personally, I have experienced being at the center of a political firestorm and faced situations where a board member from another government organization publicly criticized me on social media, prompting others in our field to continue to perpetuate that organization's long-standing falsehoods, thereby defaming me with untrue and distressing allegations that exercised their rights of opinion, which have blocked many forms of our efforts to build what we are doing here. However, I was informed that they were exercising their right to express their opinion on their personal Facebook page, which raises questions about the rationale behind such actions. It is essential that we heal to empower ourselves and come together to emphasize the importance of responsible communication and integrity while acknowledging the value of self-expression.

Right now, we all have a responsibility to learn from all of this and can serve as positive role models and create real change needed for our community's youth and demonstrate exemplary behavior, regardless of political stances,” said Pizano.

MVP3 Foundation Emphasizing Integrity

The foundation stresses media integrity, responsible media use, and using creative expression for healing and education.

Showcasing Positive Role Models

As part of their initiative to reduce crime and inspire youth, the foundation develops and distributes media content featuring positive role models.

The MVP3 Foundation has recently unveiled the Three Generations mural, emphasizing the importance of paternal involvement in families and communities. The mural was designed by local artist Cameron Hill, who has recently experienced the loss of his father, while paying tribute to the late actor John Amos, a former National Guard who collaborated with MVP3 Foundation on youth-focused initiatives prior to his passing.

The celebrated actor John Amos was a member of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard. In addition to his service in the National Guard, Amos was later made an Honorary Master Chief of the U.S. Coast Guard. He also worked with the Coast Guard on public safety videos.

John Amos Student Grant

This award is given to students who demonstrate exceptional skills and integrity in the creative arts.

Award amount: In 2025, the award for recipients vary from $150 to $500.
Focus: It recognizes and uplifts future storytellers who show "media integrity and purpose."
Nomination: The grants are awarded to students who are nominated by their teachers.

Connecting with the Community

By working with local leaders and organizations, the MVP3 Foundation fosters a collaborative environment to promote student voices and address social issues through positive and creative means.

“Our voices are powerful. These platforms of social media are powerful tools, as are film and music, and they are part of our mental health. We will continue, more so now, to not only help our students amplify their voices but also learn the integrity of a broken heart. This is not a political thing; this is a human thing. We have to find balance amongst ourselves amidst these heightened opinions and feelings, break unhealthy cycles, but we are going to have to teach our youth and empower ourselves, even through these complexities of humans, to find that balance and heal by example,” said Marie Pizano.

MVP3 News and Future Expansion

Coming soon: The MVP3 Foundation is launching MVP3 News on the MVP3 Network, produced and filmed by Collierville students as part of its ongoing hands-on education and training. The platform aims to provide opportunities that can grow into careers within MVP3 Network and other affiliated entities.

Other schools and students will participate in news, documentaries, and feature films featured on the network and other theatrical and film distribution outlets. The foundation has partnered with the Press Register in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and is setting up a hub there for student opportunities, as well as in Nashville, NYC, and Chicago shortly after to start building across the country and globally.

“We are providing students, freelance journalists, filmmakers, and content creators with opportunities to leverage their voices and produce content on the MVP3 Network, where they can showcase their work, crafted with truth and integrity, and exercise their freedom of speech responsibly, to be part of the change. We establish and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with other outlets to support them and provide an additional platform to bring their content to a wider audience and areas they may not typically reach.”