Open Access"We Created that Space with Everybody:" Constructing a Community-Based Space of Belonging and Familia in a Latina/o Youth Group
Author(s) -
Julissa Ventura
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the journal of the association of mexican american educators, inc./the journal of the association of mexican american educators, inc.
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2377-9187
pISSN - 2377-9160
DOI - 10.24974/amae.11.326
Subject(s) - grassroots , sociology , space (punctuation) , context (archaeology) , situated , gender studies , population , social capital , cultural capital , youth studies , political science , geography , social science , demography , philosophy , linguistics , archaeology , artificial intelligence , politics , computer science , law
As the Latino population grows across the United States and particularly in places outside traditional gateway cities, questions arise around the challenges and opportunities for Latinos in these new areas of settlement. Situated within this context of Latino demographic change, this article examines the construction of a youth-led, grassroots Latino youth group in a mid-sized, Midwestern city. Through a community cultural wealth (Yosso, 2005) and social justice development framework (Ginwright & Cammarota, 2002), this article highlights how Latino youth and adult community allies constructed a space of belonging where youth shared their experiences and knowledge. In the group youth built upon their familial and navigational capital and developed self and social awareness. This youth constructed space differed greatly from the schools youth attended. Drawing from a 16-week, ethnographically informed study this article suggests that when youth are given an opportunity to create and lead their own space, they can provide powerful insight and perspective on educational issues. The findings from this study have implications for educators, youth workers, and policymakers looking for ways to build more engaging, culturally-relevant classrooms and programs for Latina/o students.