JUMP Start
The AjA Project partners with SDCOE Juvenile Court and Community Schools to provide students with access to innovative arts-based programming at school sites across San Diego County. Through AjA programs, young people use photography and visual arts to explore aspects of personal identity and social justice in such a way that creates transformation within their perspectives and ambitions for the future.
My name is Celina and I was born in San Diego. I am in the ninth grade and I live in City Heights. I chose racism as my social issue. It is an issue that has existed for a very long time, and it is still happening to this day. I was interested in using photography to create a conversation about this issue. I like using symbolism in my photography because everyone can interpret things differently and connect the contents of the photo to a past memory or experience.
As a person of color, I have seen this kind of discrimination affect many people, and I’d like to raise awareness about it.
The social issue that speaks to me the most at this time is the impact of COVID-19 and the necessity to provide a snapshot of this historical period. I chose this issue because I realize that we need a way to preserve and interpret this soon-to-be historical era so that the memory of COVID-19 will never be forgotten.
— Frank, Serra Mesa High School
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