Barrio De Paz

Great article on Nelsa Curbelo's work: www.odemagazine.com/doc/54/join-my-gang/

This video really moved me. I also thought it a certain number of clichés we have, mainly put through mainstream television's news : young an old will never get along, yougsters from the street are necessarily violent, unable to be saved, an unable to listen to a language other than that of violence.
Nelsa Curbelo proves the oppposite by having the sense to listen to them and the intelligence to treat them like respectable human beings. Not only is it society's guns an drugs that provoke these kids' gun and drug use, and then both influence themselves mutually, but we see then when put in a positive environment, these kids are able to create their own form of expression; not the state's, not the social workers', not Nelsa's, but their own.
Another point that i thought really interesting was that she put through a message about power with a tranquil charisma that i almost never saw in anyone talking about power : power is not violence, it is service, and furthermore it is construction; and the greatest form of power is love; it can break any wall and any dam. It might seem a bit dated and overused to some, but to see Nelsa putting that mission statement into action is really inspiring. It inspired me, and I hope it will inspire those who want to be the change they wish to see happen.

Thank you Akoya!

Margot, France