The kNOw asks attendees what they want to see from the next mayor:
On Thursday The kNOw Youth Media partnered with the advocacy organization Faith in Community and other groups to host a mayoral candidates forum. The event drew an incredibly diverse crowd of more than 500 to hear how the candidates plan to address issues including jobs, transportation, homelessness, schools, housing and air quality among others.
Real change happens when the community comes together like they did tonight! #Vision4Fresno #GetLoud pic.twitter.com/NGZjKZSGwy
— The kNOw Youth Media (@theknowfresno) April 22, 2016
A total of five candidates are running to replace current Mayor Ashley Swearengin. The candidates are H. Spees, Richard Renteria, Henry Perea, Lee Brand and Doug Vagim.
The turnout at St. Anthony Mary Claret raised hopes of increased voter turnout among all Fresno residents, especially considering what turnout has looked like in past elections.
"This half of the city only had 14% turnout the last time we elected a mayor – that needs to change!" -TJ Jahsi #Vision4Fresno #GetLoud
— The kNOw Youth Media (@theknowfresno) April 22, 2016
The kNOw youth reporter Miguel Bibanco took the stage to address the candidates on plans to expand park space in South Fresno.
Our very own @miguelbibanco kicks off the research findings by speaking about parks #vision4fresno pic.twitter.com/1inpDXrkvE
— The kNOw Youth Media (@theknowfresno) April 22, 2016
Before the forum, reporters from The kNOw surveyed the crowd to hear about their hopes from the next mayor.
“The biggest thing I want to improve here in our community is our educational system.” –Rodrigo R. #Vision4Fresno pic.twitter.com/pl4SPhFh9s
— The kNOw Youth Media (@theknowfresno) April 22, 2016
“My #Vision4Fresno is getting the youth involved in what’s going on around the community.” –Nuriddin Ziyadinou pic.twitter.com/mLf6ycZam1
— The kNOw Youth Media (@theknowfresno) April 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/johnsentweets/status/723322660629827584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“My #Vision4Fresno would be to cure poverty and end homelessness.” –Letisha White pic.twitter.com/tB5EOVTDpS
— The kNOw Youth Media (@theknowfresno) April 22, 2016
At the end of the evening the candidates agreed that this forum was the most representative they’ve done, and the best researched and prepared, which is an incredible testament to community power.
In 2006, over 25 youth began participating in weekly after-school writing workshops where they congregated in the hallway of a two-story building in West Fresno and learned the essentials of creating media and telling their stories. The group evolved over the next five years and is now proudly recognized as The kNOw Youth Media.
Through our program, we create opportunities for our youth participants, who in turn create long-term positive change in their communities. Our approach weaves youth development and youth media innovation to produce our biannual youth publication, multimedia projects, and community forums.
The kNOw began as a project of New America Media, which was the country’s first and largest national collaboration and advocate of 2000 ethnic news organizations. In 2018 The kNOw became a project of Youth Leadership Institute.
