On August 16, the Youth Organizing Institute gathered to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of this year’s participants. Graduates chatted and shared delicious food provided by community caterer, Eva Panjwani. We shared stories with movement elders and family members in the historic WW Finlator Hall at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church.
After a report-back from our NC to FL Youth Solidarity delegation to support the Dream Defenders, youth shared projects and performances they had worked on independently in small groups. Family and community members offered snaps and applause as youth performed poems, presentations, and art pieces on issues in the school system, intersections of oppression, the evolution of sexism and feminism, and how they can solve issues in their own communities. As this year’s YOI graduates transition into the school year, we are excited to support them in the amazing work they’ll embark on in their own schools and communities!