By Layla Ornelas
Photos by Layla Ornelas
![](https://wecedyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/SchoolsNotPrisons.Merced.flier_.fnl_.1-1-e1500584775495-300x135.jpg)
Editor’s Note: Statewide social justice campaign #SchoolsNotPrisons held its first event in Merced, Calif. on July 8, bringing nearly 300 people out in support of dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. The event was co-hosted by We’Ced Youth Media and Building Healthy Communities, Merced and featured local music acts, letter-writing and community discussion. We’Ced Youth Reporter Layla Ornelas was on hand that night, documenting the event in a photo essay that showcases the power of a community working together.
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Everyone was hustling about to try and get the last preparations done for the #SchoolsnotPrisons event.
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The doors opened and the first early birds began to make their way into the venue.
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This is the beginning process of the #SchoolsNotPrisons mural being made by local artist Kuta One.
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This was the letter writing table where you coul write letters to your loved ones who are incarcerated.
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Here you can see the #SchoolsnotPrisons swag table that was being handled by Cassandra Avitia, one of our reporters, and her younger sister.
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Here is a piece that was made by the talented Elizabeth Arrellano, a youth leader in the community.
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This is another piece that was made by the very talented Claudia Gonzalez, We’Ced’s Program Manager and Editor.
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Here you see Alex Salas, another youth reporter, holding down the popcorn table and serving one of many customers.
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The #SchoolsnotPrisons mural was finally finished near the end of the event.
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These are all the panelists who took part in the event and helped make it all more enjoyable.