2024 Dates will be announced soon.
Information from Cohort 2 is below.


YALA:
Youth Antiracist Leadership Academy

YALA is about Actions. Examining the actions of leaders who have come before and the actions we take to create change in our schools and communities.

LEADERSHIP is about the actions you take, not the position or title you hold.

An ANTIRACIST takes actions to advance racial equity and confront unjust policies.


What: YALA is a program where young people better understand themselves and the world around them by exploring who they are and how they lead. Through examining the history of racism and movements for change, participants will identify ways to be a leader for justice and liberation.

Who: YALA is designed for Grades 10-12. YALA sessions will be facilitated by Dr. Tynisha Worthy, David Weaver, and Shawn Jeffers

When: YALA will take place over 8 Saturdays. Most sessions will be held from Noon - 2pm.
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
May 7, 14, 21

Where: Most sessions will be in person at our office downtown. Some sessions will be virtual by Zoom.

Why: YALA is inspired by Freedom Schools and Liberation Academies that began in the 1960’s out of a recognition that schools did not educate students in their own history. YALA will equip students with the knowledge, skills and awareness to advocate for racial equity.

For questions, contact: Shawn Jeffers - shawn@youthatthecenter.org

“We want decent education for our people that exposes the true nature of this decadent American society. We want education that teaches us our true history and our role in present-day history.

If you do not have knowledge of yourself and your position in the society and in the world, then you will have little chance to know anything else.”
- Liberation Schools Founding Purpose

Additional Information
Participants in YALA will receive books (examples highlighted below) & additional materials. Sessions will be interactive and engaging to appeal to all learning styles. By participating in the program, YALA students will have the opportunity to join Youth At The Center on a trip to visit Montgomery, Alabama this summer and explore sites along the Civil Rights Trail.

YALA Session Themes:

  • Community Building/How Do I Lead (Focus on strengths and leadership style)

  • Understanding self and self in relation to others (Identity development)

  • Examining the history of race in America (Looking backward)

  • How change happens/Introduction to systems change (Looking ahead)

  • Celebrating the Changemakers: Black Women’s contributions

  • Exploring Joy, Culture

  • Interactive scavenger hunt on Cincinnati history

  • Youth-led project planning

By participating in YALA, young people will grow in the following areas:

  • Self-awareness

  • Confidence in their leadership

  • Consensus building

  • Effective advocacy

  • Public speaking/Communication

  • Self-care