At just 16 years old, I spearheaded the creation of a pivotal social justice initiative in partnership with local politician Shay Franco-Clausen. Motivated by a profound commitment to fostering change and enhancing community engagement in San Jose and the broader Santa Clara County, I co-founded the South Bay Black Coalition. Our inaugural project was organizing a Juneteenth March, an event that aimed to celebrate freedom and push for substantial social justice reforms.

The Juneteenth March was not only a celebration but also a powerful platform for advocacy and community solidarity. In orchestrating this event, I took on the responsibilities of planning, coordinating with city officials, securing permits, and managing public relations efforts to ensure the march was both impactful and memorable.

Our efforts culminated in a successful event that drew thousands of participants from across the Bay Area, as highlighted in the San Jose Mercury News article titled "Still on the long road to freedom, thousands celebrate Juneteenth across the Bay Area". The march not only served as a celebration of Juneteenth but also as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equity, echoing the community’s aspirations for a just society.

In addition to the march, we facilitated crucial community discussions with members of the Santa Clara County Police Department to address public safety concerns and advocate for transparent policing practices. These discussions took place in various settings, including the home of Shay Franco-Clausen, where we held hot-topic discussions that allowed community members to engage directly with law enforcement leaders. These sessions were instrumental in building bridges and fostering a dialogue centered on trust, accountability, and the pursuit of equitable treatment by community institutions.

Reflections and Learning

This project was instrumental in shaping my understanding of the power of community mobilization and the importance of civic engagement. It also enhanced my skills in event organization, stakeholder engagement, and media communication, which have been invaluable in my subsequent endeavors. Through this initiative, I learned that even at a young age, one could lead significant change and have a lasting impact on their community.