Artivism in Action: Dodson Middle School

When students at Dodson Middle School entered the art room this fall, they weren’t just stepping into a safe space to create – they were preparing to explore liberation, identity, and justice. 

How do people take action when they see injustice? 

What feels unfair in my life or community? 

What does freedom mean to me? 

What would a liberated world look like if I could design it? 

These were just a few of the questions sparked throughout the classroom as 25 students embarked on The Liberation Project, a 10-week Artivism journey led by Eye Discover, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through Artivism Education. The program helps students explore their cultural identity and use art as a tool for activism.

This marks the first time Eye Discover’s Liberation Project has been implemented at Dodson Middle School, through the school’s Creative Arts Passport (CAP). The collaboration was made possible by a partnership with The Love You Don’t See, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through education and emotional growth, while fighting for community liberation.

The Liberation Program sits at the intersection of art and community impact. Led by experienced teachers and artists, students use art to explore themes of Black Liberation, social justice, and self-expression. Through murals, photography, and digital storytelling, they examine how identity

and justice intersect in their own lives and how art can become a powerful medium for truth, pride, and activism.

“Artivism gives our students permission to tell their stories — not just as artists, but as changemakers in their communities,” said Kenosha Hawkins, CEO & founder, Eye Discover. “They start to see that their voices carry weight and that their perspectives matter.”

Learning That Inspires Action

On a Tuesday afternoon, participants of the Liberation Program discussed how national and local issues, specifically ICE enforcement in their neighborhoods, concerns about community safety, and ongoing debates over the city budget—shape their experiences and worldview. Students shared how these issues impact their families and why they believe investing more resources in youth programs, rather than increasing police funding, is essential for building a safer and more supportive community.

Eye Discover Facilitator’s use stories from both historical and modern movements to jumpstart dialogue and create an environment where students feel safe to reflect and explore their experiences. They learn about civil rights leaders and activists, such as Angela Davis and Ericka Huggins, and artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy who use their work to address social issues, challenge systems, provoke thought and as a tool for activism and resistance.  

On a recent afternoon, students worked on a self-portrait collage, using historical imagery, poetry, symbols, poetry and personal photos to tell their own stories. By the end of the program, they will have completed several original art pieces, culminating in a student-led art exhibition at Dodson Middle School this December.

 Each piece will reflect not only artistic skill, but also a personal journey — one where paint, color, and design become languages for belonging and empowerment.

“I love the program because it brings great opportunities to learn and earn prizes,” said Jackson, a student participating in the program. “Everyone is very kind and there’s so much to learn. My favorite project so far was the tote bag identity activity.”

Eye Discover’s Liberation Project mixes Artivism (art + activism) and community engagement to create space for youth to learn about history, identify, and social movements, and understand how artists, writers, educators and everyday citizens have long used creativity as a form of resistance. 

For Eye Discover, The Liberation Project is more than an art class; it’s a movement that bridges creativity, critical thinking, and community awareness. By merging art and activism, the program helps students connect personal identity to social purpose, empowering them to see that their art has the power to make change.

To learn more about Eye Discover’s Liberation Project, educational program offerings, and upcoming community events, visit www.eyediscover.org  or follow us on Instagram.