Los Angeles, Calif. — Boyle Heights for Youth organized a special talent show catering to some of the youngest members of the community. The annual Boyle Heights Youth Talent Show drew 250 youths, parents, and residents gave young participants a great opportunity to showcase their hard work and special gifts. Youth during the event demonstrated their skills in photography, video, music, dance, poetry, spoken word, and 2D/3D graphic design.
“The youth of Los Angeles have many different skills and unique talents, this talent show lets them show everyone what they really are passionate about,” Lou Calanche, Executive Director and Founder of Legacy LA. “Even though this event is only once a year, we hope it has a lasting effect on the young leaders that participated and on the people and residents that live here. We must continue to nurture these skills and talents, and push these bright teens to pursue their goals.”
The Boyle Heights for Youth Campaign was launched in 2014 by over 200 youth and 15 community organizations to advocate for a meaningful investment of public funds and resources to help our City’s most vulnerable youth reach their full potential and to create safe neighborhoods where they can thrive and have access to opportunities that prepare them for a successful future.
“I’ve been involved in youth development programs since I was in middle school. They’ve helped me become the person I am today, by supporting me and encouraging me to contribute to my community. I am a leader in this campaign because I feel strongly that all you in Boyle Heights, and the city of Los Angeles, deserve have access to youth development programs to help them better their futures,” said Norma Galeas, High School Senior and Ramona Gardens Resident.
“Giving these future leaders an outlet for creativity and exploring their interest gives youth a leg up in being successful in life and being better prepared for the future where they can fine tune and hone in on their strengths.”
Boyle Heights for Youth hopes the talent show will bring attention to addressing the needs and concerns for youth and the major importance for investing in youth development.
Boyle Heights for Youth is a campaign of Building Healthy Communities Boyle Heights and aims to promote the idea that youth are our future and our city’s best asset. For more information please visit www.boyleheightsforyouth.com
About Building Healthy Communities (BHC)
Building Healthy Communities (BHC) is a 10-year, $1 billion program of The California Endowment (TCE). Fourteen communities across the state are working to create places where children are healthy, safe and ready to learn. BHC is focused on prevention and strategies aimed at changing community institutions, policies and systems. Through cross-sector collaboration and youth and resident engagement, BHC sites seek to improve neighborhood safety, unhealthy environmental conditions, access to healthy foods, education, housing, employment opportunities and more.
