THROUGH OUR EYES

In 2013, youth leaders from Legacy LA identified the need to improve communication and relationships between law enforcement and youth in the Ramona Gardens Public Housing Development. To address these concerns, Legacy LA youth leaders developed a curriculum called “Through Our Eyes'' that focused on increasing communication between young people and officers by having both sides connect in a neutral space to talk about their interactions and experiences with each other. The 2022 relaunch of the Through Our Eyes initiative seeks to uplift youth voices as imperative to creating change in communities across East Los Angeles. The youth forums and community workshops for Through Our Eyes continue to facilitate a space where critical thinking and compassion create room for emerging and evolving perspectives between young people and law enforcement resulting in the decriminilazation and empowerment of marginalized youth. Our hope with T.O.E is that we work towards healing the community and take steps to transform the justice system. Through Our Eyes seeks to build relationships and ways to connect and communicate about issues regarding policing and public safety that continue to impact youth and their families in communities across Los Angeles. 

Through Our Eyes is a two-part initiative:

Youth Listening Session

  • Youth will learn about the history of policing in Los Angeles

  • Have a discussion on public safety and policing in the community.

  • Engage in analytical and critical thinking.

  • Reflect on their experiences within the community.

    Through Our Eyes Workshop

  • Youth will prepare and sharpen their communication skills to engage in conversation with law enforcement.

  • Voice their concerns to law enforcement and policymakers in Los Angeles.

  • Take steps to create solutions that focus on the needs of young people in Los Angeles.

  • Help build communication between officers and youth.

For more information or to get connected to the Through our Eyes Program, please contact:

Aurelia Lespron: aurelia.lespron@legacyla.org