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Defining Youth Power through Art and Education

Although unemployment rates have generally declined, there is one age group who is still particularly affected. Youth unemployment rates are the highest compared to any other demographic. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012, the rate of youth unemployment in our state was of 20 percent for individuals aged 16-19. This leaves a significant number of young people without the benefits and advantages holding a job provides for their future. The need for programs that enable them to develop the skills that will help them on the path to their desired careers is constantly increasing. Thus, it is with great pride that our dedicated youth leaders and organizers create and expand their definitions of Youth Power during weekly workshops designed for our Youth Development Program participants. By empowering our youth and making a commitment to their education every week, we give them the best chance for their future success. During these workshops they explore their interests, such as fashion, poetry, and painting, and enjoy the opportunity to express their creativity. They also become advocates for their own needs, learning about policy and how to effect change. After months of hard work, they were ready to show their family, friends, and their communities all they stand for during opening night of their annual exhibition: Paredes en Fuego, last Friday. [caption id="attachment_6024" align="aligncenter" width="667"] Paredes en Fuego opening night.[/caption] Members of our Youth Development Program presented a unique interpretation of their lives with artwork, clothes, and a multimedia piece detailing their individual stories. The topics ranged from valuable information about teen pregnancy, to personal poetic reflections, and the question of “What does Youth Power mean to you?” One of the most prominent pieces featured all of their answers. For example, Keema Green, a youth organizer said, “You’re the reason that the change I want to see is put forth.” But, they took it one step further. They left a blank page, framed on the wall, so that the audience could write their own definitions of Youth Power, and contribute to the exhibit by continuing an important conversation. [caption id="attachment_6016" align="aligncenter" width="658"] Setting up a space for the audience to write their own thoughts on Youth Power.[/caption] In line with the theme they designed a picture frame and a set of popular emojis as props which attendees could take pictures with, inviting them to strike poses of power and support while making the digital aspect that is so prominent in our lives into something tangible. Fellow young people in attendance interacted with all of the elements of the exhibit, leaving their mark and building upon empowering definitions. [caption id="attachment_6025" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Youth Development Program participants posing with power emojis.[/caption] In addition to the collaborative art, Green, decided to create her individual concept of what Youth Power means through an intricate piece to portray life, its conflicts, perseverance, and also positivity. Other youth organizers read poems describing their future, hopes, and ambitions. And, others expressed themselves through fashion. Parting from the theme of “Refashioning Ourselves,” inspired youth made finished garments exploring how fashion, identity, and culture intersect. [caption id="attachment_6020" align="aligncenter" width="668"] Keema Green with her artwork during opening night of Paredes en Fuego.[/caption] The exhibit will be on display until the day of the program’s End of Year Celebration on May 26th. Don’t miss the chance to see the stories of our youth; during a fantastic event featuring dance, poetry, and a fashion show put on by our youth. BCYF Commissioner William Morales will be present as the keynote speaker. For more information click here. La Galería, 85 W. Newton Street, Boston, MA. Thank you to our sponsors for making this program a reality for our youth: Shannon Grant, Department of Public Health, BPS iCreate, DYEE Successlink, Comcast, Barr Foundation(Culture for Change Initiative), Eastern Bank, John Hancock, Yawkey Foundation, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and United Way....