By Juliana Udo (11th Grade – King-Drew Magnet HS)
On October 7th, the Women’s Leadership Project and the #Standing4BlackGirls coalition had a really productive meeting with Mayor Karen Bass at L.A. City Hall to talk about what Black girls and BIPOC queer youth actually need in South L.A. After introducing ourselves and our goals, we got into voicing our concerns and demands. Joshua Ezeibe and London Armstrong spoke on community prevention education, while Amor Jackson and Jasmine Hutchinson Kelley highlighted the urgent need for youth centers and safe spaces. Ama Boateng discussed the importance of culturally responsive community responders, and Mariah Perkins and I advocated for a Black Girl and Black Youth-Focused Task Force. Blessing spoke on the need to amplify the stories of Black women and girls. Additionally, we shared our proposal for the “Tioni Theus Youth Center” via Destination Crenshaw and City Council District 8, describing how it could provide a much-needed hub for mental health, job training, and safety in our community.
The Mayor seemed to really listen to what we had to say. It was powerful to share the data on the violence Black women and girls in our city face. However, we haven’t gotten a conclusive response back from her office regarding what we discussed. Although we aren’t planning on letting this proposal sit on a shelf, we’re hopeful that Mayor Bass will follow through. But, until then, we will continue to push and ensure our voices are heard.
My name is Juliana Udo but I go by Julie. I am currently a junior at King-Drew Magnet HS. I aspire to major in Nursing. My top two college choices are UCLA and UC Irvine. My career goal is to become a primary care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner!
