My Hood, My City

MY HOOD, MY CITY works with Long Beach young people, ages 14-24, and communities of color living in North, West, and Central Long Beach. These neighborhoods have been historically divested and have experienced the disproportionate impacts of violence, poverty, and COVID-19.

Look out for our Neighborhood Tours over the summer! Approximately 10 youth from each neighborhood are working to develop digital and in-person storytelling tours. The tours will raise awareness, pride and knowledge regarding the cultural and structural makeup of the neighborhoods.

You can access the digital tours through videos and storyboards that will be shared on yli, VoiceWaves and City social media channels, websites, social media, newsletters, LBTV, YouTube, and other platforms.

Leadership is guiding, inspiring, and standing side by side with the people to imagine, create, and demand change. At yli – specifically with the San Mateo team and office – I learned that the work in between the work is where the relationship building and exchange of culture happens. The conversations with young people during lunch, car rides home, and downtime showed me the importance of listening to young people and honoring who they are.

Gabriel Dela Cruz, Former Staff