Art and Resistance through Education
Junior Board
ARTE's Junior Board is a team of talented, driven youth who are dedicated to making change in their communities and leading the next generation of young activists to the frontline of human rights change.
Mission Statement
Education serves as a key to positive change in our society. The Junior Board aims to equip young people with the tools they need to grow into the leaders of our future. Many lack access to educational resources, and the conventional curricula that we young people are exposed to fail to teach the perspectives of historically marginalized communities. For us as young people, it is imperative that we uplift underrepresented voices, enabling youth to explore and engage with the issues that matter to them through an artistic lens. Our goal is to support the journey of young activists, artists, and changemakers by providing educational opportunities and fostering holistic learning environments.
Meet the Junior Board!
Felecia (she/her)—My name is Felecia. I was born in Jamaica, but currently live in the Bronx. I attend high school in Queens, and I hope to graduate with my associates degree in the year 2023. I am interested in the arts, I love to draw and paint, especially when listening to music. My music genres/playlists are like my emotions, all over the place.
My career path is yet to be determined, therefore I prioritize career explorations. I want to do something to makes me happy, but so helps others and help to create the change I want to see in the world. I have had the opportunity to intern at the Met museum and be apart of ARTE's Youth Voices Lead Program.
In recent months, I have also been able to build relationships and develop my skills not only as an artist, but as a student that has lead to many beautiful artworks and words and those are my proud accomplishments. My hope is to continue my journey and to have meaningful experiences that shapes me into a person I look forward to meeting and being.
Kenisha (she/her)—Hi! My name is Kenisha and I'm a rising junior at a Manhattan high school. At school, I'm an editor for my school newspaper and am passionate about using literature to uplift youth voices through the work I do with the Decameron Project. I am also involved in advocacy, specifically civic engagement and grassroots organizing with youth organizations. At ARTE, I'm excited to use art and restorative justice to empower young people and inspire change in various communities.
Lydia (they/them)—Hello, I’m Lydia Luo (they/them). I am currently a senior majoring in art. I have been pursuing the arts for 8 years and hope to continue to do so. I have been in galleries to display my works, won awards like the Scholastic Art and Writing Award, and have published my creative writing.
Advocacy and activism are a part of me just as much as art is. Through my high school career, I have attended protests, raised over 10k for UNICEF and other charities, and even something as small as sharing helpful social media posts. I hope to combine my passions and continue my endeavors through ARTE with others. I want to change the world for the better. With art and activism, we are able to create a positive difference. I cannot wait to work with my board to share our purpose.
Salma (she/her)—Hello! My name is Salma. I'm a junior in high school. I was a former participant in Youth Voices Lead. I'm part of a music club as well as a community club where we host food drives, clothing drives, fundraisers and other things to help people in need and improve our community. I love to draw! And in the future i hope to continue to make a change in my community and also use my art to advocate social justice and issues that matter to me.
Sunny (she/her)—Hi! My name’s Sunny and I am a sophomore in high school. Before joining the Junior Board, I was also a former Youth Voices Lead participant. I currently am a member of Sadie Nash where I learn about different social issues and uplift woman youth. In my time at ARTE, I hope to bring enlightenment to young activists and inspire others who are looking to be or are in the same field.
Interest Form
If you are interested in learning more about the Junior Board, receiving updates on their work, and being notified when they announce their upcoming art contest, please fill out the form below!