CYLC encourages college attendence
May 9, 2016
Chicano youth from around the Los Angeles area were invited to attend the Chicano Youth Leadership Conference (CYLC), a once in a lifetime experience.
I attended the spring 2016 CYLC from April 22-24 in Malibu. There, I learned about the importance of attending college, the history of Mexican-Americans in the United States and what the struggle of being a Chicano/Chicana is. I also gained pride in who I am and where I come from.
On the first day of the conference, we were split up into “nations,” which were groups composed of students from different schools and one or two facilitators. Each group was named after an indigenous nation, such as the Aztecs or the Zunis. After each presentation, we would have a “pass to nations,” where each group deliberated what they had just learned.
We watched the movie “Walkout,” directed by Edward James Olmos and starring Alexa Vega and Michael Peña. Back in 1968, a group of East Los Angeles students who attended CYLC decide to walk out of school in order to protest about the injustices in the schools in LAUSD. Paula Crisostomo was one of the students who organized the walkouts. She came to speak to us about her experience growing up as a Chicana in the 60s.
Junior April Serrano recounts her experience during CYLC on the last day of the conference.
We also attended a college fair, where students and alumni discussed with each nation about the college. There was also a career fair where each nation met with 11 Chicano professionals, including politician Gloria Molina.
Throughout the weekend, we had guest speakers talk to us about different problems we might face such as oppression and financial aid for college. One of my favorite presentations was given by Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle, who spoke about her experiences of oppression caused by her community and loved ones.
A major aspect of the whole experience was learning about educator Sal Castro and honoring his legacy. Castro started the conference back in 1963 as training grounds for Chicano student activists. One of his most memorable lines, “No sean mensos…Go to college and graduate,” was often referred to throughout the weekend and was printed on the shirts the conference provided for the students.
It was a memorable experience. I walked in, not knowing what to expect, and I walked out with a new sense of pride in who I am and optimism about my future.
