Across a wide spectrum of community voices here, there is a daily struggle to create a better vision for South Los Angeles.

Now younger people have a chance to that add to that framework through an innovative challenge created by a local training organization dedicated to closing the Black digital divide.

The Digital Lyricist competition, launched recently by Message Media Ed, is a writing and performance contest open to 13-25 year olds, where entrants — poets, songwriters, MC’s, artists, filmmakers etc. — are invited to write 500 words on the theme “My Vision for South Los Angeles.”

Message Media was founded in 2009 by Shani Byard-Ngunjiri, a multi-media artist, educator and social justice advocate.

According to Byard-Ngunjiri, the competition, which opened in early December and closes Feb. 4, will have two winners; one in the 13-17 category and the other in 18-25 age range; each winner will receive a mini-laptop computer and a mentoring spot at an upcoming Message Media retreat.

Application forms can be downloaded from messagemediaed.org and the guidelines are as follows; 1) The Theme: ‘My Vision 4 South L.A.,’ 2) Incorporate a Public Figure from Black History, 3) 500 words or less, 4) No curse words, 5) $10 Entry Fee and 6) Applicants, ages 13-17, need parent permission.

“The idea of this contest is to allow young people to create a space and think outside the box; other than what they see on television or may experience themselves,” Byard-Ngunjiri explained.

“We rarely get to hear what young people have to say about their communities and this is an opportunity for them to come together and dream a little.”

Byard-Ngunjiri added that all the initial entries will be judged by the Message Media team, then six finalists will be chosen and mentored by Brother J from X Clan before the final performance Feb. 27 at the Sankofa Digi-Family Day hosted by Earlez Grille, 3930 Crenshaw Boulevard.

Photo: Shani Byard-Ngunjiri leads a training class. Credit: Courtesy of Shani Byard-Ngunjiri.