Public Allies, Los Angeles Class 2017-2018 Team Service Project

ABOUT:

For this year’s 2017-2018 Public Allies Los Angeles cohort, one of our Team Service Projects focused on the effects of gentrification on health. We will be publishing a series of interviews, poem, and infographics created and conducted by Allies that capture community member experiences from South Central Los Angeles.

These collective poems, interviews, and narratives provide insight on the impacts of gentrification and displacement on the health of South Central residents.

Poem by South Central Resident

“My South Central” by Guero

In this world of pain

It seems everything is going to waist

violence and corruption

We end up shut down if we raise our voices

Shot for no reason

rights taken away dosnt matter the season

Cops shooting innocents

hunting season

Peaceful protest no type of change

Burn down the city now they hear our pain

Brown on brown crime black on black crime

its all the same

They dont wana see us unite

drugs alcohol and sex insirted in our brains

keeping us distraced this shit is driving me insane

Money is the root of all evil

Just look what it does to people

You give them all you got or the take out the desert eagle

Winter is cold but the streets stay hot

All you worry about is money and thots

Educate yourself no need to loose your thoughts

In this world of pain is easy to loose your frame

Trying to stay in your lane but all the corruption makes it hard for me to stay sane

We are all the same Brown black white catholic christian Muslim

They try to separate us killing our wisdom

We have to change the system…

***
(sic)

Public Allies, Los Angeles Class 2017-2018 Team Service Project

ABOUT:

For this year’s 2017-2018 Public Allies Los Angeles cohort, one of our Team Service Projects focused on the effects of gentrification on health. We will be publishing a series of interviews, poem, and infographics created and conducted by Allies that capture community member experiences from South Central Los Angeles.

These collective poems, interviews, and narratives provide insight on the impacts of gentrification and displacement on the health of South Central residents.

Poem by South Central Resident

Poetry and Photo  by I.O

Gentrification why you fucking up my lungs?

Like if I don’t have enough to deal with Train keeping me up at night

Alternating silence….

My stress level so high I just can’t keep quiet

I want change For my brothers and sisters

Not to have to worry about another gun shooting drive-by

Or the pollution that they drink breathe and eat

We’re just a Brown family trying to get by

Fuck gentrification! I’m out -I.O

Public Allies, Los Angeles Class 2017-2018 Team Service Project

ABOUT:

For this year’s 2017-2018 Public Allies Los Angeles cohort, one of our Team Service Projects focused on the effects of gentrification on health. We will be publishing a series of interviews, poem, and infographics created and conducted by Allies that capture community member experiences from South Central Los Angeles.

These collective poems, interviews, and narratives provide insight on the impacts of gentrification and displacement on the health of South Central residents.

Team Members: Alina Carmona, Mari Rivera, Francisco Soto, Ruth Rodriguez, Jeff Hampton & Justin Manuel (2nd Year)

***

South Central Resident Interview: Richard (Identifies as a Queer South Central resident).

Do you know or think you know the definition of gentrification?

Yes. Gentrification is the reimagining of space. Usually this reimagination benefits white middle class straight men and those communities to access to education.

Have you ever lived or moved into a neighborhood that has gone through or was currently going through urban gentrification?

Yes. South Central specifically the university park area.

Have you experienced high levels of stress during the displacement?

Personally no, but I have seen other folks experience high levels of stress. As a result of rent insecurity. When development projects begin to happen in the community that increases the opportunity for rent to increase thus the stress levels begin to increases.

What is your opinion on rent increases?

Rent increases are detrimental to the community health. As rent increases income stays stagnant thus only creating anxiety and insecurity on rent affordability.

Has it been difficult for you to gain access to healthcare based on where you lived or currently live

Yes.

Have you experienced stress due to rent increases? Has this impacted your mental health? Has this impacted your relationships?

It is difficult to try to engage in relationship with anyone given the fact that the basic need of housing is always so unstable. For someone that has had to move because of rent increases there isn’t opportunity for said person to create rapport with community members and create a support system thus amplifying the stress caused by rent increases.

We will continue publishing the Public Allies, Los Angles TSP Interviews, Poems and Photos through June 30th. 

Attention future community leaders!

The application for the 2018-2019 program year are now open!

The Public Allies, Los Angeles program is perfect for you if: 

You are graduating from high school and want to gain some work experience.

You are interested in a career in non-profits.

You would like to learn more about your community.

You are passionate about making a difference.

Interested? Click on the flier below to download the full Application Packet!

Application Deadline is May 31st, 2018!

apply.publicallies.org

Whether you’ve already completed the program or are looking to be placed with one of our Partner Organizations, having an updated resume on hand is always a good idea. Check out these 10 Resume Tips for applying to a Non-Profit position.

(Click on the image to download this tip sheet)