SAN DIEGO — Countless creative activists came together Thursday to inspire action in many forms.
The initiative called “Far South Border North” was created by the City of San Diego to support artists who have a passion for some of today’s most pressing issues.
From social justice, climate change and public health, the Public Impact Day Expo provided an opportunity to bring art and action together, to create change.
"Ultimately, we want to inspire somebody, we hope they feel something and encourage them to take that next step," Malik Galsgow said, who represents Health and Harmony.
From pictures, paintings, mosaics and music, Far South Border North has pioneered a unique approach to support artists and their awareness campaigns for both San Diego and Imperial Counties.
"Research shows we have some of the worst asthma statistics in the state," Glasgow added, about the Imperial Valley.
Health and Harmony created a series of short videos, including a Lenny Kravitz cover, to spread their message.
"We've had enough of the bad air quality of the bad water quality, of the poor living conditions and this is our take on it, and how we present it to the public and youth so they can get inspired and create change," Glasgow said.
Far South Border North is providing grant money to help fund 46 different campaigns that aim to improve the health, equity and well-being of our communities.
"Having hope is really important and my goal and my mission is to really inspire that hope," Lissbeth Garcia said, who is representing Younify. Younify's focus is on families who have been separated at the border.
"What led us to Imperial Valley was my mom's deportation. I wanted to help young people just like me, navigate those things in life," she said. After 16 years, her mom is back in the U.S. "It was healing in action," Garcia added.
San Diego Urban Warriors is another recipient, focusing on health and fitness for disproportionately impacted communities.
"African Americans suffer from so many disproportionate diseases and conditions," Dajahn Blevins said, who is representing San Diego Urban Warriors. For nearly 40 years, they've used theater and art, to educate. They started at the Encanto Boys and Girls Club and now perform at the Lyceum Theater downtown.
"We empower youth, families and communities to be healthy and fit - mind, body and spirit," Blevins added.