How a mural project led youth-in-custody to express new hope By Ellen Fagg Weist | Photography by Todd Anderson South Salt Lake — “Stay Motivated” is the bold, inspiring message anchoring a new mural decorating the basketball gym at Salt Lake Valley Youth Center, formerly known as the Salt Lake Valley Detention Center. It’s also a personal motto for graffiti artist …
From participating in civil rights campaigns with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to serving as a passionate and involved preacher of Salt Lake City’s Calvary Baptist Church, Reverend France A. Davis’ legacy has been centered on promoting unity through tireless advocacy. In December of 2019, Reverend Davis retired as a preacher after 46 years of service, causing many to reflect …
At a special film screening of “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in School,” educators and superintendents from school districts across Utah explored the intergenerational and systemic barriers that has led to a pattern of black girls being pushed out of school. Black girls are often mischaracterized because of their appearance, dress, or speech that funnels them out of safe …
Over 1,000 students from 30 different schools arrived to Salt Lake Community College on Monday, October 7th, spreading a feeling of excitement marked by their potential. Instead of taking the bus to school, they took it to one of Utah’s most diverse colleges with 31 percent of the student body being racially diverse and 56 percent being the first in …
When youth are given the chance to voice their concerns in a powerful space, emerging leaders are born and their stories are elevated. “Having the opportunity today to share my story and express the changes I want to see really helped me feel empowerment for myself and encourages me to share my story more,” said Lexee, a First Star Academy …
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve as the new Director for the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs (MCA). I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome from community partners as well as the overwhelming support from my colleagues and leadership at the Department of Heritage and Arts. I am also thankful to have acquired a remarkable team …
Imagine you need to schedule a doctor’s appointment but the only available time you have outside of work are weekends and evenings, which is when the office is closed. In order to arrive anywhere on time you have to strategically navigate the bus schedule and account for walking distance between bus stops. Imagine having to choose between paying for groceries …
On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce that all enslaved African Americans had been freed (What is Juneteenth, Gates). As a result, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of slavery across the United States and the celebration of freedom across generations. Many take this day to acknowledge the hardship and contributions of African American …
With the school year wrapping up, you can let out a deep, collective sigh of relief. For many of you, the momentary pause does not last long as your summer is brimming with sun-filled activities. But what would that moment look like if you allowed yourself to rest a little longer? Being a student in the modern world has several …
A student journalist at the University of Utah has published a comprehensive, engaging story about the Multicultural Commission.
From a new hate crimes law to recognition to jazz legend Joe McQueen, the Utah Legislature passed a few important bills for the multicultural community.
Every year, the frenzy of the legislative session brings with it the excitement of seeing how state government works firsthand. For many high school students, attending Multicultural Youth Leadership Day at the Capitol is marked by the potential their future holds.