Change Gon' Come

RYSE believes that young people’s stories and lived experiences should be the drivers and measures of justice and change. Street Literature, an award winning video featuring RYSE youth and directed by young filmmaker Gemikia Henderson, speaks to our belief and investment in the power of narrative and counter-narrative, illuminating the collective pain, hurt, and judgment felt by young people of color in the killings of Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, and Israel Hernandez. Its follow up, Change Con’ Come, illuminates both the struggles and dedication of young people to make changes in their own lives, despite and in light of the injustice they face, so that they, their families, and the young people coming up after them can live, love, and flourish.

“As a community member, it’s important to show we have the ability to change society’s perception of us. As a director, I feel it’s important to show what young people see everyday. In this way, my work addresses the question, ‘How can you be down for change if you don't know what needs to be changed?' Change Gon' Come addresses how we plan to change within ourselves to help change others.” -Gemikia Henderson