Changing the Narrative - Pacoima episode 4: Pacoima Perspectives

What do you know about Pacoima? What makes a place, a community? During the first half of our Changing the Narrative program at Vaughn Next Century Learning Institute, our eighth grade podcasters explored the deep roots of art with muralist Levi Ponce, the power of advocacy with Pacoima Beautiful, and the rewards of leadership with Assembly Member Luz Rivas. Together we looked deeper into the narrative of Pacoima told in movies and media and found what was missing. We celebrated adversity grown into Hip Hop healing with the Gr818ers and their new Unite Cultural Center.

 Ready and armed with microphones and curiosity, Team JALV- Leilah Ortega (producer), Valerie Garcia, Jolene Caballero, and Aidyn Robles went in search of Pacoima beyond the stereotypes.  Asking local residents, as well as outsiders, "What do you know of Pacoima? What have you heard?" they've created a complex picture of the place they call home. Pacoima is for sure a place of challenges, but also friendship, family, love, and unexpected beauty. It's all in your perspective!

Read our Connectoblog for more about how this episode was created and see more pics go

 

Shout out to guest artist musician and producer Joe Foldes who edited and engineered this piece with the team. 

Changing the Narrative is made possible by a generous grant from The California Arts Council, a state agency. To learn more go to arts.ca.gov Thank you!

Changing the Narrative- Pacoima is produced by Betsy Foldes Meiman

Changing the Narrative curriculum created by Andrea Lopez, BFM, with guest artists Daniel P. Castillo, and Joe Foldes.

And thanks to Mr. Harmon, for sharing his class with us!