Santa Ana Youth Voice

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Paulo Freire Roundtable 4

Abstract

Santa Ana, California is categorized as one of the youngest cities in the nation. The city’s Latinx and immigrant demographic within the context of an affluent and white Orange County creates a dichotomy of experiences within schools, and their communities. Families and students in Santa Ana face hardship given the historical lack of affordable housing, lack of equitable representation in political decision-making, heightened surveillance and inappropriate educational resources. Given the racialized and deficit expectations and perceptions imposed upon youth and their families, this paper captures how youth engage Youth Participatory Action Research and exercise self-determination. Through the Freirean practice of reading the word and world, this story demonstrates how youth defy all odds and expectations in defense of their education.

Authors

• Jorge Facio Rodriguez, Chapman University

• Carah Reed

• Karen Garcia