Racine Unified students mentor peers on racial and social justice through empowerment project

 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Tonight, in Racine, racial and social justice in our schools. Students who've fought back on their own struggles are now mentoring their peers.

The Passions Project is a national movement, and it sets the question -- what makes a person well? It's their passions, and these students are passionate about making things fair for all.

"Fashion, it makes me happy, it really does, it makes me super happy," said Ya'Niece Giovanni, Case High School junior.

In this room, Racine Unified students were able to talk about their deep interests and how they've been affected because of racial and social injustices. Ya'Niece Giovanni's struggled with body image from time to time. It's something she's now helping others with.

"Because I'm like six foot and I'm 17 years old and like this is crazy, what do I do? So, I just want to give them some sort of confidence, let them know like they're not alone and you can also do something good in life as long as you just put your heart to it," said Giovanni.

Sofia Badillo's passionate about a sport where she's found not a lot of faces like hers.

"Because I would go to these big meets, those national level meets and I'd be like where can I fit in?" said Sofia Badillo, Case High School senior.

Badillo's finding value in mentoring younger swimmers now, seeking out Hispanic athletes, encouraging them to go for it.

"I think in these past two years I've seen the amount of diversity coming in and swimming I think has gone through the roof," said Badillo.

A supportive crowd cheered panelists on at this showcase event. Jude Smith talked about his connection to others with disabilities through his own podcast.

"So, I interview people who work with people with disabilities and who are disabled," said Jude Smith, Case High School sophomore.

Smith says as he gets older, he may become an advocate for persons with disabilities, hoping to change general public perception.

"A lot of people because I'm disabled, they treat me like I'm five years old and I am not five, I can do things by myself," said Smith.

Jude Smith's podcast, "Focus on Disabilities" can be found under the "Racine Video Production Works" YouTube page. Here is a link to it.