All Youth Are Sacred Wards of the State Exhibit Recap
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As we close our first cohort of our Community Safety Through Youth Power Fellowship, All Youth are Sacred is thrilled to wrap up this edition of our traveling exhibit series. Our youth leaders and fellows led events in Sacramento, Fresno, and Salinas as part of the three scheduled tour stops! We curated the photography exhibition, Wards of the State: Who Gets to be Kids? The Silenced Stories of our Youth Traveling Exhibit, to showcase photographs of the 132-year history of California's statewide youth prison system. The exhibits aim to amplify our community's stories through visual and performing arts.
Between the three events, we brought together over 350 people to learn about the Department of Juvenile Justice's history and reflect on the future where youth are embraced as sacred and have access to their basic needs.
Sacramento Exhibit Fellowship Foto
In October, we were honored to hold space at Sol Collective in Sacramento as part of the first stop of our traveling series! The event highlighted the ongoing challenges incarcerated youth face and the importance of holding Sacramento's Probation Department accountable. Following the passing of SB823, Sacramento County's SB823 subcommittee, with the leadership of Sacramento probation, promised $150,000 towards youth reentry services. These funds are crucial to support young people in succeeding and safely re-entering the community after incarceration. Reentry services are a matter of public health and safety!
To speak to the need of reentry services, we offered the mic to two local Sacramento youth from the Anti-Recidivism Coalition who shared their first-hand experiences with the youth (in)justice system. Following them, Gonzalo Curiel, now 70 years old, shared his reflections on his years in the California Youth Authority (CYA, later known as the DJJ). Other performances included poetry by Tina Curiel-Vega, AmiaLynn, and Ceci Adrianna.
Fresno Exhibit Group Foto
In December, the All Youth Are Sacred team traveled to Central California to build with the community of Fresno! For Fresno’s exhibit, we collaborated with Integral Community Solutions Institute (ICSI), Fresno Barrios Unidos, and Remainder Inners. We packed the house with various community partners and community members. Fresno showed so much love and support to our panel, which consisted of formerly incarcerated youth and local artists. During the Board of State Community Corrections meeting this past November, the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Camp Facility was found out of compliance by the board. The findings noted that youth in Fresno County need access to adequate programming and that programming is non-existent. Event attendees were encouraged to send letters to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and ensure youth can access programming.
Salinas Exhibit Group Foto
Wrapping up this series All Youth Are Sacred closed out in Salinas in January, building with local community! In collaboration with the Alisal Center for Fine Arts, East Salinas Building Healthy Communities, and Brown Issues, along with countless community members, we had our largest turnout of over 130 people. Grounding the space with local Danzantes led by Maestro Robert Castro and closing the space with local youth Folklorico dancers, Salinas was a true display of how our art and time together is sacred! CAYCJ (California Alliance for Youth and Community Justice) was able to announce a central valley youth justice coalition, opening new connections in the fight against the criminalization of our youth.
“Wards of The State: Who Gets to be Kids? The silenced stories of our youth.” was a display of community, decarceration, and expression. Imagine the possibilities if we continuously offer these spaces for our youth’s authenticity and sacredness! It has been an honor to travel the state and share our message, All Youth Are Sacred!
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