Change the Game, Building a Youth Movement to Challenge L.A.’s Addiction to Incarceration
Posted By ABLA Staff
Comments (1) · May 4, 2009 - 1:41 pm
by Tekla Beckmann, A Better LA Volunteer
Thursday April 30th USC’s School of Social Services held the event Change the Game, Building a Youth Movement to Challenge L.A.’s Addiction to Incarceration. There was a great turn out to the event that opened up with a rap performance by Peter Carroll Scholarship Award Winner Jose Gutierrez. After Jose’s speech the quote “Another World is Possible” was acknowledged to begin the dialog of the night.
The evening consisted of 6 distinct parts. The most dramatic of which came when six individuals all having been directly affected by incarceration came forward to tell their stories. Three adolescents who had been incarcerated, two parents of current incarcerated teens, and one female who has a brother serving a life sentence without parole. These individuals spoke about the poor conditions within the jails, and how detrimental the experiences are for everyone.
After a brief period of comments and questions from the audience, the event’s main panel came forth. This panel included A Better L.A.’s own Angela Carter. After commenting on Los Angeles and the problem’s facing its youth each member of the panel was asked, “What can you do to help us (L.A.’s youth)? Our own Angela Cater took to the microphone and responded “what would you like me to do?”
The entire event was incredibly moving, and received immediate positive reaction from the crowd, as everyone seemed truly committed to working together to create better lifestyles for the youth of Los Angeles.
Panel members meet at USC’s School of Social Services, including A Better L.A.’s Angela Carter.
Great writing from an amazing woman….keep up the great work senorita. Thank you for helping the powerless and for those who do not have a voice. Te admiro.