Introduction to the Symposium
The symposium, hosted by Nos Quedamos, focused on the environmental challenges that many low-income and Black and brown communities face, such as pollution, lack of affordable housing and gentrification, and ways that young people can be part of the solution. Young attendees listened intently as the Nos Quedamos symposium kicked off on the Bronx campus of the Metropolitan College in late July.
The Event
The Bronx campus of the Metropolitan College of New York buzzed with purpose, planning, and laughter on a recent July afternoon as about 50 teenagers and community leaders gathered to explore organizing strategies, the power of art in activism, and how young people can maintain hope amid a world in crisis. “There are those who are voiceless, not by choice, but by oppression,” said Dr. Mark Gonzalez, deputy director of Nos Quedamos, who opened the Second Annual Youth-Led Symposium on Environmental & Housing Justice on July 24 by encouraging young people to make their voices heard.
Keynote Speech
Dr. Mark Gonzalez of Nos Quedamos kicked off the event, saying, “I am Bronx-bred, abuela-fed, and God-led.” Through a mix of youth-led presentations, workshops, and musical celebration, the South Bronx-based community development corporation, founded in 1993 in resistance to displacement and gentrification, looked to demonstrate how youth voices aren’t just part of the conversation—they are the conversation.
Workshops and Discussions
In a world of growing digital discourse, Nancy Ortiz Surún, the founder of La Finca del Sur, a community garden on 138th Street, stressed the importance of having physical spaces where people can gather to focus, regroup, and plan. “Episodes force us to come together,” said Surún. “Our hubs welcome us together.” One workshop explored how activists can harness the power of GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, to create “story maps,” a platform that can function as a slideshow, document, or interactive map, providing flexibility for telling stories.
Storytelling and Activism
But no matter what tools activists use, they should always remember to center people in their storytelling, said Elia Machado, an associate professor of geography and geospatial sciences. “Stories and emotions are more memorable than numbers,” said Machado, of Lehman College in the Bronx. Members of the Nos Quedamos youth team emphasized community engagement with “art as a tool for justice” workshops, exploring how to tap into their creativity to deliver a message.
Conclusion
The symposium provided a platform for young people to learn about environmental challenges and housing justice, and to explore ways to be part of the solution. As Sonali Govind, of the Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development, said, “I think it’s all about finding resources, and asking yourself ‘What can I do to help?’” The event showcased the power of youth voices and the importance of community engagement in creating positive change.
FAQs
Q: What was the focus of the symposium hosted by Nos Quedamos?
A: The symposium focused on the environmental challenges that many low-income and Black and brown communities face, such as pollution, lack of affordable housing, and gentrification, and ways that young people can be part of the solution.
Q: What is the importance of physical spaces in community organizing?
A: Physical spaces provide a hub for people to gather, focus, regroup, and plan, and are essential for community organizing and activism.
Q: How can activists use GIS to tell stories?
A: Activists can use GIS to create “story maps,” a platform that can function as a slideshow, document, or interactive map, providing flexibility for telling stories.
Q: What is the key to effective storytelling in activism?
A: The key to effective storytelling in activism is to center people in the story, as stories and emotions are more memorable than numbers.
Q: How can young people get involved in environmental and housing justice?
A: Young people can get involved by finding resources, asking themselves what they can do to help, and exploring ways to tap into their creativity to deliver a message and create positive change.
