Emely Abad Castillo

My hometown, South Central Los Angeles, faces institutional disparities impacting Black, Indigenous, People of color (BIPOC) communities. From an early age, I repeatedly witnessed challenges of living in a historically redlined community where many encounter hardships of criminalization, housing instability, and lack of resources affecting the stability of youth at a very young age. I have developed a deep sense of concern for inner-cities communities, where BIPOC have become entrenched within the criminal justice system who continue to use racialized practices. The loss of childhood friends to street violence and incarceration has inspired me to dedicate myself to serve my family, friends, and community. Coming to the University of California, Berkeley, as a first-generation Latinx-identifying student I have carried the lessons from my personal experiences with the hope to empower young people in the future who have been affected by law enforcement agencies in hope to assist them with legal challenges. I believe that systemic inequalities have devastated many families and communities, and by addressing and challenging these legal policies I hope to bring justice to many BIPOC.