In the Ethnic Studies course called Boyle Heights and Me created by three teachers working for equity and excellence in education, Roxana Dueñas, Jorge Lopez, and Eduardo Lopez, 9th graders at Roosevelt High School engaged in a year of conversation critiquing and challenging what is often accepted as the norm, or "just the way things are."
By identifying community assets and analyzing root causes of oppression, students reimagined their realities through writing about themselves and life in Boyle Heights. This collection of honest and inspirational stories depicts the power of transformation and healing that comes from knowledge of self. Every author expresses urgency and agency for change to reimagine the future.
Written by the 2014-2015 9th grade Ethnic Studies students at Roosevelt High School.
"I want to live in a community where people aren't afraid to walk at night. I want to live in a Boyle Heights where culture is alive. I want to live in a Boyle Heights where dropping out isn't common anymore. I want to live in a community where crime rates are low. I want to live in a community where Latino college rates are high and where better jobs are available. I want to live in a Boyle Heights where poverty is no more, where the community is united and fighting back against the oppression."
-Brian Villa
Cover by: Nico Avina
Designed by: Diana Molleda
