The Photovoice is an essential project within our Undocumented Mentorship Academy where the cohort uses photography and journaling as a healing practice to help them navigate through their experiences of moving to the U.S., the challenges of their migration and allows them to envision their goals, dreams and aspirations.

Artistic expression is used as means of social change and political advocacy to document a historical record of the communities, cultures, and social movements in the region. This will be our third year hosting this event because it has resulted in powerful work that can influence policy that directly impacts the lives of the 32,000 undocumented youth ages 16-24 years living in the Inland Empire. Youth will have the opportunity to practice written art forms and turn their narratives into a visual of what it means to be undocumented.

Lastly, photovoice has opened up the possibility for immigrant and undocumented youth to further explore an education or career in the arts given that they may be discouraged from seeking out art degrees or programs due to their citizenship status, the field not seen as “promising,” or inaccessibility in the community. Therefore, introducing different art mediums to youth can encourage them to adopt their own creative styles and express themselves. We hope for Black, Indigenous, and youth of color to have agency in how they tell their stories and become empowered as creators to illustrate their life experiences.

2024 UMA Photovoice Art Exhibit

By Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective

2024 UMA Photovoice Art Exhibit

Team Members