ALIZAH SILVER
The streets of South Central Los Angeles are known for decades of violence, but a teacher is trying to change the story for this generations children. Meet ALIZAH SILVER, a teacher at KIPP Empower Academy and the founder of a program called Love Activists.
“I think Love Activists started back when I was the age of the kids that go to this school. My parents were divorced and I went through a lot of trauma. So my whole life I was trying and finding different tools and practices that helped deal with the trauma.”
Her program Love Activists combines yoga, meditation, dance and music, teaching her students how to turn their own traumas into a source of empowerment and understanding.
“I wanted to do something, I wanted to make an impact. I basically took the tools I had come up with and combined them with pieces around social justice, environmental justice to create a whole children’s curriculum.”
Her different ideas were met with initial skepticism but through time and trust the children began to accept her program and began to thrive with Love Activists.
Despite the ongoing challenges of teaching during a pandemic, Alizah continues to bring her students together creating original songs and music videos which has helped the children be free with their communication.
“We always just tell each other how we are doing.”
And the impact it has had on her students is being shared with their parents and throughout her school.
“We do this of course for communities to love each other and be together. We do this so we can change the world.”
Alizah is also feeling the benefits of teaching Love Activists, finding her Sunny Space.
“The kids, just being in their presence and feeling what we built together.”
Alizah Silver has found her purpose and is shining a light on humanity.
