OYE Latinx Youth Conference Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
The OYE Latinx Youth Conference celebrated its 10th anniversary with over 300 community members on March 19th, 2022. This year's theme for the conference was "Building Together / Construyendo Juntos" and provided an opportunity for community members to form new connections and build community with one another. Workshops for people across all age groups focused on topics ranging from understanding one’s rights as an immigrant to learning how to budget, exploring post-graduation options, and even mastering a few suave dance moves through cumbia and merengue classes.
Community members learn about AB60 licenses, public charge, and other resources for immigrants in a workshop hosted by LIBRE.
Participants also witnessed awesome performances and inspiring speeches by our keynote speaker, nationally-acclaimed Poet and Public Speaker Yosimar Reyes, spoken word artist Mz Chillin, Culture Director of The Association of Ramaytush Ohlone Gregg Castro, Grupo Folklorico of Casa Circulo Cultural, Aztec dance group Capulli Tonalehqueh, rap artist Freddy Flowpez, and much more! During lunch, participants learned more about the many resources available in the community at a Resource Fair hosted by community-based organizations. Free food and swag giveaways were given out, and Bay Area local DJ Cilla churned out an awesome playlist to set the mood.
Aztec Dance Group Capulli Tonalehqueh
To close off the conference, our very own Collective Impact Coordinator, Elisa Chavez, participated in an OYE alumni panel to share her insight on the importance of prioritizing one’s own mental health and ways to build each other up as a community.
OYE 2022 Young Adult Alumni Panel
It was wonderful having some of our Leadership Council members, City staff, and community champions volunteer and engage with community members throughout the event. We are thankful for all the partners who helped bring this event to life and grateful to have witnessed a day filled with community.
Participants built a heart together with notes to loved ones expressing the value they hold in their lives.