Series:

Narratives of Justice:Criminal Justice Activism in Los Angeles

Topic:

Community History

Social Movements

Community Activism

Biographical Note:

Writing program director at InsideOUT Writers.

Interviewer:

Pace, Keenan

Interviewee:

Velasco, Mindy

Persons Present:

Velasco and Pace

Place Conducted:

Velasco's office in Hollywood

Supporting Documents:

Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.

Interviewer Background and Preparation:

The interview was conducted by Keenan Pace, interviewer for the UCLA Center for Oral History Research. Pace holds a master's degree in public policy from the University of California, Irvine.

Processing of Interview:

The interviewer prepared a timed log of the audio recording of the interview. The interviewee was given the opportunity to review the log in order to supply missing or misspelled names and to verify the accuracy of the content but made no changes.

Length:

3.75 hrs

Language:

English

Copyright:

Interviewee Retained Copyright

Audio:

Series Statement:

The Narratives of Justice oral history series documents issues related to the criminal justice system in California through interviews with a variety of people who seek to reform that system. It includes interviews with individuals who provide services to at-risk youth; individuals engaged in community-based reentry services for people leaving prisons and jails; and activists in other areas related to criminal justice reform.

Family resides in Westminster, CA--Youngest in family—Mexican immigrant parents—Racism in Orange County—Mexican traditions—Predominantly Vietnamese neighborhood—Activism with older sister attending UC Berkeley—Student activist groups—Lack of Chicano studies education in Catholic high school—Frustrations regarding financial disparities among peers—Radicalization inspired by sisters—Microagressions and generational differences within family—Identifying with incarcerated youth at InsideOUT Writers—Activism in high school—Attended UCLA in 2007—Interest in music management--Academic Advancement Program—Campus activist spaces--Community outreach at Jefferson High School—Protesting tuition hikes in UC system—Community-based organizing with sister in Orange County—Frustration motivated healing-based activism—Started women’s circle focused on cultural exchange and art—Disappointment in college about theorization vs action—Outreach to young Black women at Jefferson High School—Criticism of UCLA for prioritizing academic skills rather than applicable skills—Extracurriculars helped build current skillset

Graduated from UCLA in 2011—Studied abroad in Ghana—Interested in knowledge systems and cultures outside of U.S.—Increased awareness of neocolonialism and globalization—Trouble discussing study abroad experience with family and friends—Frustration towards exploitative neocolonial systems—Returned to U.S. and began job hunt—Started working in admin at InsideOUT Writers in 2012—Role evolved to program coordinator—Prioritizing needs of younger generations—Combatting mass incarceration—Writing as creative outlet and means of escape for incarcerated youth—Effects of racism that cannot be taught in higher education—Supporting teachers during lengthy training process—Promoting safe spaces—Collective envisioning work and retreats for staff—Limited funding—Establishing boundaries between work and wellbeing—Attending graduate school for nonprofit management at Antioch University—Understanding limits of nonprofit models—Maintaining longterm vision of prison abolition while doing advocacy work—Family supports her work—Importance of trusting and sharing personal experiences and perspectives—Disinvestment in prison system and diversion of funds—Unequal access to resources—Focusing on methods of healing instead of imprisonment—Promoting change in individual perspectives can foster communal changes.