A movement led by Youth Together students of Richmond High and Kennedy High to make Ethnic Studies a graduation requirement picked up steam this spring as the West Contra Costa County school board unanimously approved the proposed outline of the course. It has been submitted to the University of California to receive certification as a college preparatory class. En route to this achievement, Youth Together students built a community coalition including other students, parents, teachers, and school officials. In the proposed Ethnic Studies course, students would debate complex issues, including those surrounding race, racism, immigration and social justice. In the course, there would be a particular emphasis on the development of strong critical thinking skills.
This spring, Richmond and Kennedy Youth Together students also conceived of, wrote for, and published, the first ever Youth Resource Guide for teenagers in the West Contra Costa County school district. The 32-page booklet gives a voice to the students in the district through artwork and poems and provides a forum for their thoughts on violence, unity, and life in general. The Guide includes an annotated directory listing places in the community where students can go in order to receive free medical advice and care, get academic help and advising, attend financially aided performing arts classes, and places where students can just hang out with other teens in a peaceful environment.
