STRONG Words - Immigrant Youth Conference - May 2019

STRONG NEWS Immigrant Youth Conference 2019 Brentwood, NY.

On May 16, 2019 migrant high school students from Nassau and Suffolk counties gathered at the serene grounds of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood, NY for S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth’s first Immigrant Youth Conference designed by and for migrant youth in their native language, Spanish. Throughout the day art, creative writing, tai chi, and storytelling were woven in with testimonies of resilience and redemption. The conference was a resounding success. The feedback our youth provided was humbling.

“ Hearing stories of how others like me overcame their struggles will help me make better decisions & avoid things in my life. ” The conference titled “And the earth did not devour them” drew from Tomas Rivera’s classic novel and the concept of emerging from struggle to beauty and growth. Students challenged to acknowledge the intricate and profound layers of their historical, intergenerational, and chronic trauma. Through tears and soft whispers, they shared stories of dangers as they journeyed by land, of struggles as they tried to reconnect to their families in an unknown world, and of their hope for a better life. After breaking ground in acknowledging their sorrows, the students then joined in celebrating the strength of their resilience. Facilitators, counselors, and students all shared how through sheer grit and hope they were able to overcome struggles to start a new life. Faviana Perez, 17, from Uniondale High School stated, “It was beautiful to meet others who share in my struggle.”

All Smiles for Uniondale High School Students Chrismeris F., Kessy F., Favina P., & Stacy C.

Santos Amaya, co-founder of the Latino Youth Leadership Council in Washington, DC, shared her powerful testimony of the challenges she faced as an immigrant youth in the United States and how she channeled her emotional and psychological injuries into progress and success through education and youth organizing. Guest facilitators engaged students in learning critical skills to support their pursuit for a brighter tomorrow. Tai Chi master Ismael Huerta from Ollin Xi Movimiento in Santa Barbara, CA led students in meditation exercises to address the physical and emotional consequences of trauma and stress. Ricardo Vidal from IPR Healing Artz in South Central LA helped the students use art as a cathartic way to express their struggles, fears, and dreams. Finally, 3 strong representatives from the Latino Youth Leadership Council in Washington, DC testified to the power of our written and spoken word to not only heal but effect change in our communities.

Students from Huntington High School during a group discussion about decisions and consequences.

Thank you to the facilitators who shared so much of themselves. Thank you to Bill Ferro and “Liga de Justicia” for bringing breakfast and giveaways. Thank you to the administrators from Brentwood’s West Middle School, and Uniondale and Huntington High Schools who made this event a priority for their students. Finally, thank you to the Sisters of St. Joseph for welcoming us into their home.

Ricardo C., Cristo A., Beria C., of STRONG Youth Inc. with Bill Ferro Of “Liga de Justicia” Genesis Y. 21 Freeport, NY, Dennis S. 18 Hempstead, NY., & Angel R. 28, Glen Cove, NY share their stories of hope.