The Ozone Layer 4

Story

One of the few Chicanos I admire is the big homie ANHEL. I met him as a rapper but he’s more than that now. This foo got a Masters and everything. He also started his own company called Westside Cultural Broker Academy. If you look up what a “cultural broker” means it says: the act of bridging, linking, or mediating between groups or persons of different cultural backgrounds for the purpose of reducing conflict or producing change. I learned that in my role as a youth worker, I am a cultural broker. Like ANHEL says, “It’s dope to be able to define our experience”. I have this certificate hanging right next to my setup so every time I see it, it reminds me of why I am a youth worker.

That polaroid picture was taken while I was chaperoning a field trip to John’s Incredible Pizza. It was actually my 1st time here. Trip out. I won that purple bear on a giant claw machine game and it was my first swipe of my points card. I also broke the machine trying to get bear out. All the youngins were jealous that I was the only one able to get a giant stuffed animal.

The little black booklet and collage were made during a training. I liked how my projects came out so I decided to hang them on my wall. Crazy how the universe works. I got a stack of magazines that were almost out of dope images. However, I was able to get the right images that describe who I am. 

I got that Pro Club sign from that swapmeet after buying a shirt years ago. It’s a reminder of where I come from.

(2024)

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