Unshackling the Chains: A Look Inside an Overnight Youth Hackathon in Little Haiti
Recently, I attended an overnight youth hackathon in Little Haiti. The idea of the hackathon was for youth to develop solutions to real world problems that they have observed. Some of the examples of presentations that were shared that day were technology solutions to better match darker skin tones with makeup products, developing AI technology to prevent wrongful arrests of Black individuals, and creating an app to ensure accurate representation of Black history in the face of Black history curriculum being erased in states like Florida.
I couldn't help but reflect on the fact that our youth are forced to confront the harsh realities of systemic oppression and racism at such a young age. Our experiences are vastly different from those of our white counterparts who are able to explore a wide range of topics and interests without having to constantly be aware of the color of their skin. I imagine that a hackathon with white youth would feel and sound very different. I imagine they would have the space to dream up concepts that extend far beyond their own identity.
The hackathon was an inspiring event that showcased the incredible potential and ingenuity of Black youth, but it was also a reminder of the constant struggle we face in a world that seeks to limit us at every turn. It was clear that navigating struggle is a limitation that our people face. The experience made me think of this quote by Toni Morrison, ““The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being. Somebody says you have no language and you spend twenty years proving that you do. Somebody says your head isn’t shaped properly so you have scientists working on the fact that it is. Somebody says you have no art, so you dredge that up. Somebody says you have no kingdoms, so you dredge that up. None of this is necessary. There will always be one more thing.”
I want Black youth to take back their time, open up more mental space and just be children, but it will take so much for us to get to that place.