We create spaces that challenge youth to amplify their voices as creators of societal change.

Check out our work in 2023-2024

 
 
 

“So we cherish what’s in our hands, allow our minds to paint a new world into existence with one word, one syllable, one poem at a time."

-Youth Artists From the Beyond Angelou Workshop

 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

This year, 41 youth writers in our after-school creative writing and performance workshop program made history as they honored literary ancestor Maya Angelou at the unveiling of San Francisco’s newest landmark, a sculpture by artist Lava Thomas honoring the legacy and impact of San Francisco poet, Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014). Through a year-long creative writing and performance workshop series, youth in our “Maya Did It First” series studied the writings, speeches and autobiography of Dr. Maya Angelou, her literary descendants, created and presented original performance poems to celebrate the monumental occasion.


The Next Generation Speaks for Itself

  • 2024 Participant
    Before Youth Speaks I hated writing and expressing myself… I thought people would judge me. After Youth Speaks, I realized that there are places and people who won't judge me.
    2024 Participant
  • 2024 Participant
    When I first experienced Youth Speaks, it really showed me a different way of approaching other things and also made me really think about society and things nowadays. I feel like my attitude about speaking and writing changed because I feel like I am able to fully express myself through my writing.
    2024 Participant
  • 2024 Participant
    My favorite thing about this program was how when you share, you feel like everyone won't judge you.
    2024 Participant
  • Ixchel
    Just hearing the poets speak and give new meanings to old words in ways that just made sense.
    Ixchel
 
 
W3Schools.com