“Familiarity” by Alisha (she/her)

I always associated my culture and the food that came with it as part of my Asian identity. I wanted to capture the familiarity I have with these aspects and share with others the power that food and culture hold.

“Strength & Power” by Basilio

I made this series to combat the stereotype of a physically weak and inferior Asian race. This idea was perpetuated by Western nations, to further justify the colonization and war that they waged. To this day this stereotype is perpetuated in almost everywhere we look. Thank you to Calder Acebo Morse and Kenneth Rice for modeling!

“Family & Friends” by Devyn

I made this about family and friends because most of my family and friends has been there for me and i wanna tell people that they have people out there for them as well. For those that feel alone just know you got someone that will care for you and that ur not alone, family or friends will always be there for you; just gotta find the right friends.

“Progression” by Iris Toomey (she/her)

These 3 artworks are a progression, it starts with this photo. The light at the end of the tunnel is the goal we all aim for, to be heard and listened to. The soft glow of acknowledgment dawns on us all. As we get closer to our goal, the future becomes clearer and we can see what we’ve been working towards. To be heard and understood is a sort of clarity that cannot be seen at first. The feet in front of the Lincoln Park scenery, they’re pointed forward into to the future, just like us youth during that photowalk. We gathered that day to put effort into this project. In my photos, I show the behind the scenes of what it means to make yourself heard in this world.

“Luminance” by Iris Toomey (she/her)

I feel the most heard when I am alone. This room is the smallest one in my home and it’s mine. Nothing illuminates one’s own expression more than silence. No one but me is in the room, no one else is speaking in the room but me, and no one else is prioritized during that time other than me. Late at night is when I am creating, thriving, and expressing the most of myself. The stream of light that comes from my room feels like a beacon to me. A private warmth that I have created. It’s almost as if I am transported into another world. Sometimes that’s what you have to do for yourself when the world outside is shutting out your voice.

“Untitled” by Jazzlyn

I wanted to capture two important moments to me. One being the importance of “unity” and secondly the roots of what got me involved into being an activist.

 “We are not our Brother’s keeper. We are our Brother & We are our Sister. We must look past Complexion & See Community.” ~M.A.

Youth Empowerment by Marion Alvinn (he/him)

I took these pictures of my niece in our backyard showing her left first up and repping our country flag, the Philippines. I got this vision from the Oakland students/teacher strike in 2019 when youth fought together to make changes. My niece symbolizes the power youth have.

“Walks of Life” by Tiffany C (she/her)

My vision for this photography series was to explore the voices and narratives in Chinatown that aren’t heard. I wanted to highlight the everyday people that help maintain and represent Chinatown’s community.