Connecting intro

Conectándonos MÁS is a youth program that seeks to educate and inspire young people to connect with and explore their ancestral roots and learn about the cultural contributions of Afro-descendants in Latin America. In this program we learn about the black history of Abya Yala and its entailment to the human rights of people of African descent through connecting with local artists who promote Afro-diasporic arts. The program culminates with a final celebration where we will share the results of all the work done by the youth with the Seattle community.

During the months of January and February applications will be open for the start of the new cohort of the program. Our open house for the second cohort will be February 21, 2025.

2025 Cohort

The third cohort of our Connecting MORE Youth program will run from February 21 through June 7, 2025. We will host between 20-25 youth from the Greater Seattle area. The reflections and connections we will make with our ancestral roots during the program will lead to the creation of individual and collective art projects guided by Afro-Latino artists.

The program will kick off on February 21 with a celebration to be held at Washington Hall. The application and registration period begins on January 13 and closes on February 21, or when we reach the maximum number of participants. The selection process will be on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning that we will review applications as we receive them, prioritizing youth:

1- Between 15 and 21 years of age;
2- Who are Afro-Latino, Afro-Indigenous, Black Latin American, or migrant.
3- Who are interested in connecting with the arts.

After applying, youth will receive a confirmation email to complete registration. We are aware of the economic hardships faced by migrant and racialized communities, so we want to recognize and honor the time of the youth participants with a financial incentive that can help alleviate systemic barriers that may prevent their participation in the program. Each youth will be able to receive an incentive of a maximum value of $1,000 over the 14 weeks of the program.

To apply, fill out the form below.

Form

MÁS espacio para jóvenes

Organizamos toda la información para los jóvenes participantes de Conectándonos MÁS en un solo lugar: cronogramas, materiales para descargar, documentos, biografías, y todos los enlaces necesarios para cursar este trayecto.

Soon to be available

Espacio 2023

Program contents

Our program facilitators and artist will guide us in exploring our individual and collective identities through an art curriculum that encompasses these subjects:

History of the African Diaspora
Afro-Latino and Afro-Indigenous identity
Writing as a tool for self-exploration
Exploring identity through photography
Connection with the Afrodiasporic cultural and artistic contributions of two regions of Abya Yala: Puerto Rico and the Garifuna nation

Program activities

Skill-sharing, connections, knowledge, and seminars on Afro-Latinidad
Enjoy exploring cuisines from different regions of Abya Yala.
Active participation in organizing committees of the program.
Skills exchange sessions amongst the participants
Knowledge and experience-sharing sessions with an Afrolatinx artist
Celebration and exhibition of youth work produced during the program.
Creation of artistic projects

Learn more and explore the 2021 cohort

Learn about 2021 contents

MÁS info

We research events that illustrate the history of black people in Latin America to gain an understanding of how our own history is positioned in that timeline.

We meet artists dedicated to afrodiasporic arts, their stories, and the different expressions of their identities.

We gain skills by interviewing, listening, writing, presenting, researching, and exploring new forms of artistic expressions

We build an exploratory space in which we can create pieces of art according to the interests of each participant.

FAQ

0- When does the program begin?

Our newest cohort will gather on march 1st, 2025

1- How long does the program last? and how often is it open?

Conectándonos MÁS opens its doors once a year. Our program will last 14 weeks over the course of 4 months, and at the end we celebrate the work we have done at Washington Hall, where we share our work with the community of Seattle.

2- How many young people participate in the program?

We will be accepting 20 to 25 young people who identify as Afro-Latinos, Afro-Indigenous, Black, or migrantes between 15 and 21 years old.

3- When are registrations due?

The registration period begins on January 13th through the form found on our website and ends when we reach our enrollment capacity. If we still have available spots by February 20th, those interested can register during our launch party on the 21st at Washington Hall.

4- Are the sessions online or in-person

All sessions will be held in person at the Union Cultural Center on Saturdays 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

5- What language/s will be spoken at the sessions?

All sessions will be bilingual, mainly in Spanish with interpreters on-site who will help us translate into English using simultaneous translation equipment.

6- Do I have to pay a registration fee or buy materials to participate?

No, this program is completely free for the youth of our community and the materials to work with at the meetings will be provided by the MÁS team.

7- How can we help MÁS and the youth program continue to keep its doors open?

Sharing information about the program on your social or community networks;
Supporting MÁS by acquiring the resources we produce through the MÁS website or at our information tables;
Through a one-time or monthly donation
Become a sponsor of Conectándonos MÁS by sending an email to: development@movimientoafrolatino.org

8- Where can I see the work done by the previous program cohorts?

Pilot Cohort