By Marsha D. Mitchell, Senior Director of Communications
South Central Youth Empowered thru Action (SCYEA, pronounced “Say Yeah”) is a dynamic program that encourages youth living in South Los Angeles to develop leadership skills, engage in community services, and create positive change. SCYEA’s main objective is to equip participants with the necessary tools and resources to connect to their communities. SCYEA helps our youth realize their potential to have a meaningful impact in their community, city, and the world.
Community Coalition is incredibly proud of all our SCYEA youth leaders who recently participated in the Solidarity LA March & Rally. These inspiring young people showed their courage and unwavering commitment to justice. Youth speakers Drew McKnight, Joshshae Henderson, Lizbeth Villobos, and Valerie Manzo captured the audience with strong speeches, each dealing with fundamental problems presently plaguing our communities and country.
Drew McKnight Shares Her Story
Drew, Joshshae, Lizbeth, and Valerie were brave when they pointed out the urgent need for affordable housing, which is still a crisis influencing families in our neighborhoods. They also demanded increased funding for the Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) to ensure that our students receive the resources they deserve to succeed in and outside the school environment. They demanded that the Los Angeles Unified School District devise a plan to defend undocumented students and called for humane treatment and fair policies that place people over profits and dignity and justice over fear.
SCYEA participants are encouraged to express their views, raise awareness of important issues, and work to change policies to benefit their community. One of the key components of SCYEA is the focus on effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. The 34-year-old program also strongly emphasizes community service. Participants are encouraged to identify and address the needs of their communities through volunteer and service projects. By actively being involved in community services, these leaders of tomorrow develop empathy, compassion, and social responsibility that help them envision a clearer future for themselves, South Central, and beyond.