#CommunityCrawls

Funded by the Alice Kaplan Public Humanities Graduate Practicum, #CommunityCrawls is a public humanities initiative that was designed to connect young people with their local community spaces—museums, parks, and libraries. Originating on the South Side of Chicago, this project invited teenagers to explore these spaces over several weekends, documenting their experiences using TikTok. By leveraging the popular digital storytelling platform, #CommunityCrawls amplifies youth voices, allowing them to share their real stories about what makes these places inviting—or not. This initiative not only highlighted the critical role of accessible and engaging community environments but also showcased how digital platforms like TikTok can be powerful tools for youth engagement and civic participation.