Page 39 - Adelante September Magazine

earned herCollege, BS from Hampton University, and Masters in Education, and an additional Masters in School Leadership from CSUDH.Lorenzo: Whittier Pride had to go through normal channels to get approved by the city of Whittier. Were these minor or major hurdles for the city's first grand scale LGBTQ event? Initially, we had to really jump some hurdles to gain support. We got some push back. Whittier can tend to be on the conservative side. However, we received an outpouring of support from the quaker community, advocates, Board of Supervisor Janice Hahn, allies, and the LGBTQ community. Residents form all walks of life, and ages came to speak at the meetings and we had tons of endorsment letters sent on our behalf. It was amazing to be welcomed. Our permits were approved and the city council even waived our fees for the first year. Most of the city council came to the event and loved it.Everyone came out to participate. We had families, youth, couples, LGBTQ across the rainbow, media, looky loos, elected officials, neighbors, churches, seniors, singles. Over 8000 people were estimated from the Sheriff's. Everyone got along, no problems, no injuries, no incidents. It was an amazing community day. One gay couple with two kids said they were living in whittier for 2 year, and on that day is when it felt like they we truely "Home".Our committee is working hard to leverage a space to house a LGBTQ and Youth center in Whittier. We have asked our city council for abandoned space. We are looking for lease spaces. We have engaged our elected officials for support. We want to build out a space that is safe, full of resources, affirming and accepting of all people, and approachable. We don't have a home yet, but we hope to have space by the beginning of 2021.A A from CerritosLorenzo: Hello Sayaka. As one of the original organizers of Whitter Gay Pride, along with Whittier councilman Henry Bouchot, Can you tell Adelante readers how it got started. Sure, Whittier YouthBuild wanted to reach out to the community to have a safe, affirming, and accepting family picnic. I met a group of exceptional people who had an idea that was grander. A few months later we wereLorenzo: The Whittier Pride was advertised as a friendly family event, was that true, and how did that concept turn out.Lorenzo: Thank you Sayaka for your envolvement with LGBTQ community, and good luck with your event.Lorenzo: Can you give us background on your role with Whittier Youth build.I am the Executive Director of WHittier Youthbuild. I have been with YouthBuild for 12 year and this is my 3rd year with this location.Lorenzo: There were 2 stages at the Central Park location. Do you think this helped with the success, and excitement of the entertainers?The committee has really been excited to plan the Whittier Pride Ride this year. It is scheduled for September 26,2020. We are accepting 100 pre-registered cars on WhittierPride.org, and spaces are going fast. It is free to partic- ipate, and we will have a drive-in photo booth and a car decorating contest. For security, the route will only be released to the partici- pants at the start of the event. We will cover most of Whittier on the cruise. We are also accepting volunteers, sponsors, donors, and selling merchandise on Whittier- pride.org as well.Lorenzo: How many core volun- teers give their time to Whittier Pride, and are you still accepting new ones?The entertainment was incredible!! Our performers, most of whom volunteered, set the stages on FIRE! We were able to have a variety because of the two stages. One stage was geared towards kids entertainment, such as the Bob Barker's Marionettes, and hula dancers. The other allowed for some really spectacular drag performers. There was not a dull moment.We have an amazing, talented, and phenomenal group of 18 committee members, who are all volunteering hundreds of hours over the year. We are always looking for people who want to pitch in.Lorenzo: I understand that the turn out of attendees exceeded the projections. How many people actually showed up, and what type of demographics were represented?Lorenzo: Besides working on Whittier Prides 2nd annual event, there is also in the works a LGBTQ center for Whittier. Can you tell us a little bit about that exciting news.It truly was a family event. Puppet shows, play grounds, arts and crafts, open park space, free momWe appreciate your time and support. See you at Pride Ride.TO ADVERTISE IN ADELANTE MAGAZINE CALL 323-256-6639 | WWW.ADELANTEMAGAZINE.COMBy: Lorenzo Gomez COMMUNITYSAYAKA PONCEhugs, ice cream truck. The concept was a space for the whole family, all families. We felt as if we achieved our vision.Lorenzo: County supervisor Janice Hahn had given major support for Whittier Pride with money and equipment. How did this help with the overall success of that event last year? We would not have been able to have the event last year without the resources and support of Janice Hahn. She was an incredible source of political support and sponsorship. With her generosity we were able to have a stage, the support of the L A county sheriff, decorations, and so much more.Lorenzo: I understand that because of Coivd 19, this year's event will be a car caravan. How are the logistics working out, and how many cars will you accept.Sayaka Ponce, the Executive Director for Whittier YouthBuild, is dedicated to working with youth on their journey to success. Sayaka believes every young person has incredible capacity for progress and success. After teaching for over 15 years, including 10 years with YouthBuild Charter School of California, she is excited to take on the launch of Whittier Youth- Build. She is passionate about her work to connect with each member and student to unlock the inner power for personal change. Sayaka has facilitated workshops for Youth Participants, Staff, and Networks in the areas of Youth Leadership Training, Student Engagement, Building a Cohesive YouthBuild staff, Classroom management for Non credentialed staff, and Project Based Learning Curriculum Development, currently serves on the National YouthBuild Directors Council as a regional alternate and Chairs the Los Angeles Region YouthBuild Collaborative. Sayaka Ponce hasthrowing the first Whittier Pride festival.We were not ready to cancel this year. COVID has isolated so many people and the distance has been really hard on our community. Armando, from our committee, was inspired by another event he attended in April.39