Translate
Stories by Issue
I made this poem because I know people who still struggle with their identity and being accepted. Too many times, I’ve gotten in arguments to defend my friends and family. This is a very sensitive subject to me, and I feel I must stand up against hate because LGBTQ+ love is no different from any other love.
LGBTQ pride week pride weekend pride. lgbtq+ spotlightI was told this trip would be a once in a lifetime opportunity, but I never imagined it would make a huge impact on my life, allowing me find confidence in who I am and fueling me to become a champion for equal rights.
CHCI immigration mexican R2L NextGEN spotlight washington DCA couple of weeks ago, Iris Vang, 17, a youth leader with Faith in Merced's Leadership Academy, had the opportunity to attend the 2017 Sisterhood Rising Camp in Portola, Calif. Spending a week in nature connecting with her cultural and ancestral roots inspired her to write about her experience as a young Hmong-American woman. Her poem ‘My Body’ is full of vivid imagery and is an ode to her culture.
acestors BHC camp culture Hmong Hmong-American sisterhood rising spotlight youthAbove: Members of the Joven Noble youth group during a recent trip to University of California, Merced. The group was founded to help teach Merced youth to embrace and celebrate their cultural heritage. (Photo by Crystal Rivera) By Hannah Esqueda Author’s note: Three years ago We’Ced youth reporter Alyssa Castro dissected the issue of youth funding in the Merced community. Read More
disconnected youth disengaged EMPOWER Joven Noble merced county Merced County Office of Education spotlight Workforce Investment Board Yosemite High School youthBy Alexander Salas Photos by Crystal Rivera and Alyssa Castro MERCED, Calif. — Last Saturday one of Merced’s local community youth groups, Faith in Merced (FIM), had a major event to showcase a mural they advocated for earlier this year. Read More
art Faith In Merced mural south merced spotlight youthAbove: Alex Carrillo may be a recent transplant to Merced but he’s already leaving his mark on the city–making the most vulnerable communities feel seen and heard. (Photo provided by Alex Carrillo) By Hannah Esqueda MERCED, Calif. — At a smooth 25 years old, community organizer and businessman Alex Carrillo is already looking to establish a legacy in Merced County–the kind that will empower residents and create a pipeline of future community leaders. Read More
Alex Carrillo BHC Merced consulting firm lgbt merced Oakdale PLTI Politics Romo Consulting Sol Rivas spotlight