California Youth Voices & Vision is a publication that was created by youth at Freedom 4 Youth, under the guidance of David & Olivia Flores, and in collaboration with Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, Anti-Recidivism Coalition, California Alliance for Youth & Community Justice, Children’s Defense Fund – California, Gateway Educational Services, Haywood Burns Institute, Hoops 4 Justice, Human Rights Watch, National Center for Youth Law, Smart Justice California, The Beat Within & Young Women’s Freedom Center.
In 2020, California set in motion big changes to its youth justice system, embracing proven strategies that build youth up, ensure opportunities for growth, and create a future where every young person can dream without limits. This is a zine about how important this moment is. Produced by young people, it showcases art and writings of the people who have experienced the youth justice system.
They make clear that California is not just reforming systems, it’s transforming lives.
Their poetry and pictures, collages and paintings convey what we are all working for, and why policymakers and community members alike should do everything in our power to ensure that this vision of youth justice is realized.
California Youth Voices & Vision & Freedom Philosophies are youth-led justice magazines that amplifies the life experiences and humanity of those who are within or have moved beyond the criminal legal system. It also empowers its readers with access to opportunities and resources throughout California and intends to alter the narrative that much of society has regarding people in the criminal legal system. Freedom Philosophers are people who are currently or formerly incarcerated whose expertise cannot be found elsewhere. These publications would never have come to life if it weren’t for the resilience, creativity, and passion of the youth formerly at Los Prietos Boys Camp, a youth detention facility in Santa Barbara, California that is now closed, our brilliant alumni, the talented adults at Santa Barbara County Jail, the incredibly dedicated support from David & Olivia Flores and the youth’s volunteer mentors from the Freedom 4 Youth Advocates at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
California Youth Voices & Vision & Freedom Philosophies are youth-led justice magazines that take a tremendous amount of effort, time, vulnerability, and passion to become a reality. It is NOT a requirement, but we ask that you consider donating an amount of your choice in order to keep the youth’s vision and magazines alive and thriving. Your financial support contributes to the amplification of the lived experiences of people directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
Printed versions of Freedom Philosophies Issue 3 are available! Please contact us to reserve your copy! info@freedom4youth.org