Public Media Camp, sponsored by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Public Radio and hosted by the Center for Public Media at American University is taking place this weekend (October 17-18).

PubCamp (it’s Twitter-friendly nickname) is an “unconference,” which means that the day’s breakout sessions on new media and public broadcasting are proposed and scheduled the morning of.

This spontaneity was complemented by the fact that things ran smoothly – and no more behind schedule than your average conference. Part of the reason behind the “unconference” model is to make it more inclusive, portable and easier to replicate in other cities.

The National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) sponsored the Rada Film Group to attend the unconference. We caught up with fellow NBPC-sponsored camper Regi Allen, producer, editor and curator of the website-in-development, which is named for the indestructable data box of an airplane:

“It creates a space that aggregates Black themed content we feel you’ll be interested in. The site also allows you to curate that information.”

Allen said that on the site, users will be exposed to videos chosen based on search terms and browser history, but might not otherwise seek out for themselves. MyBlackBox.com aims to be a way to empower users in a way distinct from existing video on demand sites by offering suggestions and cultivating a unique multimedia experience for each user.

He went on to explain the need for this kind of site. “For many, many years media was there for us to digest,” said Allen. “It was sort of a one-way conversation. Now it’s opened up. The community has a hand in programming and how it’s digested. Stil, there isn’t an inclusive space that empowers everyone.”

Check back here for updates on MyBlackBox.com and stay tuned for Day Two of Public Media Camp.