Introduction to the Issue
When adults talk about the future, they rarely include the people who are going to live in it. As a student at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice in Brooklyn, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when youth voices are left out of decisions that shape our lives. We know what’s happening in our communities—we live it every day. We know which teachers stay after school even when they’re not paid to. We know which streets to avoid because of the mounting garbage, which classrooms need more books, and which students need more support.
The Reality of Being Overlooked
But no one asks us. My school is small. It’s rooted in our neighborhood, led by justice, and filled with young people who want to thrive. Some of us want to be lawyers. Others want to be artists or athletes. But we all want the chance to grow into who we are meant to be. That’s hard to do when schools like mine are underfunded, under-appreciated, and overlooked.
Community Issues
It’s not just about education. Our neighborhoods are hit with pollution, housing injustice, and a lack of public investment. Why is it normal to walk past piles of trash or see green space treated like a luxury? Why are immigrant families treated like a threat instead of part of the city’s fabric? These are the issues we talk about—not in press conferences, but in our hallways, lunchrooms, bike rides and walks home from school.
Finding Solutions
There are solutions. You could literally walk into a school like mine and ask: What do you need? What would make this community stronger? Sometimes, the answer is a new basketball. Sometimes, it’s safer housing for undocumented students. Either way, those answers matter.
Empowering Youth Voices
That’s why I’m excited about the upcoming “Youth Take the Mic” mayoral forum, where students will ask real questions to the people who say they want to lead this city. It’s a chance to flip the script—where young people aren’t just the ones being talked about, but the ones doing the talking.
A Call to Action for Leaders
So here’s my question for the next mayor: Are you running to help the people who need you most, or just the ones who look good in campaign ads? Will you fund schools equitably? Will you listen to Black and brown students when we say we need more? Latino students graduate at some of the lowest rates in this country. That’s not because we don’t care. It’s because the system was never built for us in the first place. But we’re still here. We still show up. And we’re ready to lead—if you’re ready to listen.
Conclusion
Noemi Santiago is a 10th grade student at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice. Fernando Sánchez Carriel is the communications manager at El Puente. We urge our leaders to listen to the voices of the youth, to understand our needs, and to work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.
FAQs
Q: Why are youth voices important in decision-making processes?
A: Youth voices are important because they bring a unique perspective on the issues that affect their communities. They live with the consequences of decisions made by adults and can provide insights into what works and what doesn’t in their neighborhoods and schools.
Q: What can be done to address the issues faced by schools like El Puente Academy?
A: To address the issues faced by schools like El Puente Academy, there needs to be a commitment to equitable funding, increased community investment, and a genuine effort to listen to and amplify the voices of students and educators.
Q: How can the next mayor support Black and brown students?
A: The next mayor can support Black and brown students by prioritizing their needs, funding schools equitably, and creating policies that address the systemic barriers to their success. This includes providing safer housing options for undocumented students, increasing access to quality education, and promoting community programs that support their well-being and development.
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