​Boys and Men of Color Initiative

Centro CHA is a a member of the Brothers, Sons, Selves Coalition of L.A. made up of community organizations working towards a common agenda to improve the lives of young men and was created in partnership with The California Endowment. Our coalition partners are Brotherhood Crusade, Californians for Justice, Children's Defense Fund California, Community Coalition, East L.A. YMCA, Gay Straight Alliance Network, InnerCity Struggle,  Khmer Girls and Guys in Action, Labor/Community Strategy Center, The Social Justice Learning Institute and Youth Justice Coalition.

​Centro CHA Youth Leaders Brief Legislators

On November 15, elected officials, community organizations, parents, and youth including Centro CHA's very own youth Leaders, Pedro Jimenez and Walter Brown, convened for the State Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color’s Briefing on school accountability measures. The panelists not only included Assembly member Steven Bradford, chair of the Select Committee but also youth speakers from the Brothers, Sons, Selves Coalition managed by Liberty Hill, Superintendent Steinhauser, and Keric Ashley from California’s Department of Education.
"As a kid I didn't feel wanted by my classmates and so growing up like many young people I was looking for somewhere to belong. With the focus on new school accountability standards we can reevaluate our practices to ensure that all students get the support the need to go to college."
- Pedro Jimenez

​LBUSD Male Academy BMOC Summit 2014

TURN UP 4 CHANGE: BOYS & MEN OF COLOR SUMMIT
On February 25, over 450 students from across the city gathered at California State University of Long Beach to participate in a youth empowerment summit focused on Boys and Men of Color, convened by the Long Beach Boys and Men of Color Workgroup in partnership with Long Beach Unified School District Male Academy Program. The goal of the summit is to empower students to graduate high school, provide them with college and career post-secondary options, and prepare them to become productive citizens in a diverse and competitive world.

​"The Purpose of the event to empower these kids, to take seriously their education, and to make changes in their lives" Lionel Gonzalez facilitator for LBUSD Male Academy ​