How do you celebrate your power?

I recently reflected on this question because often power can be associated with oppressive systems. As an individual, as a member of the Fruitvale community, and as a fundraiser for Centro Legal, I hold a level of power that builds and cultivates partnerships. I am a storyteller, a social justice fighter, and a compassionate leader to those who know me. This is power that I want to celebrate with you.

There is power in celebrating our creativity and ability to reimagine what our communities can look like.

There is power in celebrating our creativity and ability to reimagine what our communities can look like. 

As the Youth Law Academy Manager, power is about recognizing the unique experiences that young people and families bring to the table. We center the power and voices of our students. We cultivate and nourish their leadership skills by having students facilitate conversations that explore what power means to them and more.

From a community perspective, power is about the collective and mobilizing ourselves towards creating more healthy, thriving, and flourishing communities. Our upcoming 54th Anniversary Gala: The Power of Community is an opportunity to counter the overwhelming task of social justice by choosing to celebrate the joy that comes from our work. While it is necessary to combat the broken system we live amongst, it is essential to uplift and tap into joy and celebrate our innate love for our community. 

Join our Centro Legal family, Friday May 19th, to take part in joymaking by uplifting our community through dance and music. Movement is healing and the entertainment we have chosen for this night, Los Alegres Callejeros, will surely make you want to get up and dance!

I hope to see you there, save me a dance. 

With love,

Rama OllinKalli Chavez

Youth Law Academy Program Manager