November at RYSE is Land, Liberation, & Decolonization Month. As we return from the Thankstaking holiday and share our organization’s strides and moments of joy, we wish to honor the land and labor of tribal communities past and present, as well as all Black and Brown communities who have faced enslavement, violence, displacement, incarceration, or any other form of alienation in the formation of this country.

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!…

“I’m learning how to become me. My name is Jason, I’m from Richmond, CA. I’m still learning. It’s a process. But it’s a good, wonderful process. I’ve been at RYSE since 2016. RYSE and Richmond is two different places, to be honest. Richmond was crazy. It’s a lot of violence, a lot of things that go on like a lot of shootings, a lot of dudes trying to holler, or people snatching young girls and snatching young boys. My community at RYSE taught me how to love myself. RYSE staff helped me to build my self-esteem. Everybody’s different at RYSE, all the cool staff. Marissa was my counselor. But she was more than that. She was a sister, a friend, and a great person to talk to, for real. She made me feel comfortable being truly myself and I trusted her with my whole heart. She gave me permission to let the pain go…”

On September 6th, we began our Fall Program Season! Current workshops include: Tasty Tuesdays cooking workshops, Organizing Club, RYSing Arts Club, and media/fashion pop-up workshops. And as always, all members have access to hangout spaces, our outdoor courtyard, games, free food, and an open music studio / jam room. We are incredibly excited to welcome back Richmond youth as they move through the 22-23 school year!

RYSE recently welcomed anchor partner The Hidden Genius Project onto our new campus. Holding programming in RYSE’s renovated Legacy Building as well as the recently opened RYSE Commons building, The Hidden Genius Project exemplifies many of our values, with one in particular that feels especially pertinent: Youth Power.