'A Very Powerful Youth Teach-In': Powerful Voices Spotlights Seattle's Next Generation of Social Change Makers

With presentations on topics like racism, Islamophobia, disability justice and more, this impactful teach-in was an example of why we need to listen to young people.

by Julie-C

On Saturday, July 27, an innovative daylong teach-in uplifted BIPOC girls and gender-expansive youth activists and storytellers at Columbia City Theater. The event, facilitated by Powerful Voices (PV), highlighted labors of love and learnings gleaned from the most recent graduates of the organization's 16-week-long Activistas cohort and served as a launch party for the newest season of PV Radio, a youth-centered podcast produced by PV media interns. Equal parts celebratory and educational, the result was an inspiring mosaic of self-exploration, social inquiry, and youth-led intergenerational collaboration toward a better Seattle and beyond.

"This is the first time we've hosted two culminating events in this way," shared CHIMAERA (they/them), executive director for Powerful Voices. "The meaning is really in the collaboration between these intelligent young people sharing what they're passionate about and supporting each other throughout the process while being witnessed by the adults who've mentored them and built genuine connections that these young folks will never forget."

From 11 a.m. onward, warmth and joy permeated the space as presenters ages 14 to 17 took the stage to share their experience and insights exploring issues impacting shared community to a room of 50 or so peers and adult allies. The free public event also featured poetry, participatory art-making, and discussions that took place in activity stations; a panel with youth producers of PV Radio; a screening of a documentary on local protests entitled Seattle Shows Up; and even a hot meal from the South End culinary staple Bananas Grill.

"The topics they choose always blow my mind," reflected CHIMAERA. "They're not afraid to dig deep and get uncomfortable when it's necessary. They'll go places most adults don't know how to navigate, which further speaks to why we should be listening to young people and giving them a platform to share their stories and ideas. That's exactly why Powerful Voices exists."

Such topics included racism, Islamophobia in schools, mental and reproductive health, reproductive justice, disability justice, and homelessness in migrant and refugee communities while also touching on more lighthearted "hot takes," such as whether or not Crocs are acceptable footwear. "Hot takes were hilarious," reflected CHIMAERA. "The audible gasps from the audience when the youth said they favored Drake over Kendrick Lamar had me rolling."

Aferata Belie, a student at Highline High School, helped kick off the event with her presentation entitled "How Do Teens Internalize Racism?" In preparation, Belie interviewed her peers as well as African American workers of various ages and occupations. "Something that I have noticed a lot of people in this Seattle community do is speak before they think," Belie reflected. "I am guilty of it as well, but I have learned the impact my words have on others is greater than I can imagine."

Belie explained that internalized racism is often caused by lack of logical thought or awareness of systemic influences, and she urges people to address these tendencies head on. "I want people to watch out for externalized symptoms of internalized racism and help," she said, elaborating that this could be something as simple as a compliment.

When asked what she hopes people take away about how teens internalize racism, Belie responded, "YOU influence teens. YOU influence people around you. Be aware of the comments you make. Microaggressions can cause internalized racism within that person and the people around that person. Internalized racism can have external symptoms/consequences, so be on the lookout. One thing we need to work on moving forward is educating our teens on ALL types of racism as well as our history."

Meriyem Roba, a rising junior at Garfield High School, followed with a presentation entitled "Homelessness in Migrant & Refugee Communities," which outlined major obstacles and gaps between existing resources and the people who need them the most, including cultural, language, and housing barriers; discrimination; and challenges of informal labor arrangements. Roba learned these issues firsthand while supporting asylum seekers at the encampment at their high school.

In order to fill this gap, Roba suggests volunteering or financially supporting nonprofits that work with immigrant communities. She created an interactive game to "engage the audience and help them identify their roles in the social change ecosystem. By understanding their roles, they can better support various nonprofit organizations, each of which plays a unique part in addressing these issues," Roba said.

Roba also had salient words for how individuals can contribute to change ecosystems. First, "identify which role in the social change ecosystem circle you resonate with the most. Are you a storyteller, a builder, a healer, or perhaps a frontline responder?"

Next, get involved in and support local events, community organizations, and grassroots initiatives. "Use your voice to advocate for policies and practices that promote social justice. This can include contacting local representatives, participating in campaigns, or using social media to raise awareness. Advocacy is a powerful tool for driving systemic change."

"Additionally, educate yourself and others about the issues affecting your community. Knowledge is a powerful catalyst for change, and spreading awareness can mobilize more people to join the cause," Roba said.

Finally, she also advocated for taking good care of your own mental and physical health. "Self-care is not just personal but also political, as it enables you to stay engaged for the long haul. By taking these steps, South Seattle Emerald readers can help create a robust and dynamic social change ecosystem that supports and uplifts everyone in the community."

The impact of community engagement in this event and beyond was a recurring theme for participants. "One of the highlights for me was seeing how engaged the community was with our work," Roba reflected. "It was rewarding to see our efforts spark conversations and raise awareness about important social justice issues. Another highlight was the collaboration and support among all participants, which really fostered a sense of community and shared purpose." She is currently working on creating a website that lists nonprofit organizations and resources available for immigrants to move this cohesion forward.

For youth looking to get involved with the organization, Powerful Voices is currently recruiting for its Youth Engagement Board and will launch its next youth ARTivism cohort this fall. There are also a variety of ways for adult allies to support the work and stay connected."We'll definitely need volunteers and want the whole community to show up and show out," says CHIMAERA, "so follow us on Instagram at @ourpowerfulvoices or sign up for our monthly newsletter on our website for updates. Also stay tuned for PV Radio's latest season to drop."

📸 Featured Image: The Activistas cohort takes the stage at "A Very Powerful Youth Teach-In" on July 27, 2024. (Photo: CHIMAERA)