Our Voices Matter

This book is an authentic collaboration among teachers, school leaders, community organizations, K-8 students, families, and Art for Resistance Through Change (ART-C). This artmaking examines the lived experiences of young people. Each student reflected on their sense of self, their lived experiences, and most importantly, what matters to them as young people. The role of emotions throughout this artmaking process inspired young people to utilize their voices, art, and writing to promote social justice-oriented work throughout communities and schools. Kindergarteners through second graders researched the power of people's names. Each of them learned about what their names meant. Afterward, they wrote poems about their names and experiences that shaped how they understood the world. They translated these understandings into phenomenal self-portraits. Youth reflected on the power they possess, how they make a difference in the world, and the strengths they bring to every community. Fifth through eighth graders explored topics such as identity, systems thinking, holistic views, marginalization, and the power of voice. Each of them researched topics that interested them. Some of these areas of interest ranged from Black Lives Matter to the use of the "n" word to police brutality to their desire to see more people who look like them in schools (e.g., teachers and school leaders). They researched their justice-oriented topics and translated those interests into written narratives. Next, they planned out their artmaking. Youth identified what each piece of their art symbolized. They supported all of their claims made and provided their audiences with a myriad of resources to engage in this work. Their artmaking involved a plethora of materials and styles.We hope their artmaking moves you in unexpected ways. Make a difference and join them in their community social justice-oriented work.ART-C would like to thank NeighborUp and the St. Luke's Foundation for supporting this significant work.