October marks RYSE's 14th birthday and the theme month, Youth Justice, Action, & Power. Both inspire us to reflect on where we were, where we are, where we are going, and the youth that have steered and continue to steer us toward liberation. In honor of this month, we are lifting up the work, vision, power, and joy that our young people have created in the space, and taking time to spotlight members and staff who have built our beloved RYSE community into what it is today. Read below some reflections as well as a peak into what's been happening at RYSE this past month!
RYSE is 14!
Youth Spotlights
Jason Madison is a storyteller from Richmond, CA and a 7th year RYSE member. A fixture in RYSE's Speak Poet workshop and Performing Arts Advanced Media Producer internship, among many others, he has a deep passion for expression and inspiring others to open up by way of telling his stories; stories spanning identity, healing, trauma, and self-love. Photo Credit: Laisha Luna Aguilar, current RYSE member (@photographsbylaisha)
I was introduced to RYSE around 2010 through a friend who would come here at the time and ever since then I began going to RYSE. There was always something to do and It was a place to hang out at. I didn't have to worry about what was going on at home. Experiencing the transition from youth to staff has been a beautiful journey. There are times where I see my younger self in the youth who come into the space and am also reminded of my personal growth as a human being. I could say that RYSE definitely contributed to that. It's extremely special to have opportunities where youth can transition to becoming a staff because it contributes to their growth, professionalism, and allows them to bring their gifts and passions to the space to be shared with others.
-Eddy
Programs, Events, & Happenings at RYSE
Tasty Tuesdays returned with all sorts of delicious treats. Tasty Tuesday is a program where young people can learn new cooking skills, recipes, and about food justice. We discuss topics such as food deserts, hunger and poverty, demystifying what it means to eat a “healthy” meal, and the history of various meals that we enjoy
New Art Programs were added to our Fall roster!
RYSE kicked off the Halloween festivities with Runway of Horrors!
The RYSE Clinic renovation continues!
