In November, our SOH scholars completed a third “Thinking Lives Matter” Lecture Series, an eight-week course on civics, politics and self-empowerment through a community partnership between the Mervyn M Dymally Institute at California State University Dominquez Hills (CSUDH). All lecture series activities are on the CSUDH campus and offer young people, ages 18-25, advanced knowledge of higher education options and lessons in civic engagement and electoral power to strengthen their voice. Upon completion, SOH scholars receive a $2,500 fellowship.
California State Senator Steven Bradford dropped by to inspire the scholars to continue to strive and agitate for what they believe in.
The cohort of 14 had great things to say about the program, such as feeling empowered to be active in voter education and electoral power and expanding their civic engagement.
Past scholars have elevated their activism by serving on the LAHSA’s HYFLA Board, enlisting in the Air Force, performing delegation visits to the state capital and congress, leading racial equity initiatives, securing jobs as organizers, and enrolling into and graduating from higher education.
The next Thinking Lives Matter Lecture Series cohort is in Winter 2023.