Episode 5

RAMA's Live Tres Generacíones/Three Voices -From Invisibility to Visibility: The Rise of the Vasa People in SF

This is Rama Blueprints Podcast's 5th live discussion live in their Tres Generacíones/Three Voices series from the Brava Women for the Arts Theater Cabaret in San Francisco's Mission District. This episode, From Invisibility to Visibility: The Rise of the Vasa People of SF, highlights the journey of the Pacific Islander Vasa community towards visibility and empowerment. Key community leaders, including activists, social workers, and educators, share their stories and strategies in tackling systemic underrepresentation and disparities in housing, education, and health. The conversation, moderated by Socorro Gamboa, delves into the historical and socio-political contexts that have shaped the Pacific Islander community's resilience and achievements. From the establishment of the first Pacific Islander nonprofit in 1972 to the creation of the Pacific Islander Cultural District, the episode honors the ongoing efforts and successes of this vibrant community. Hear firsthand experiences from esteemed panelists who reveal the challenges and triumphs of advocating for their people and envisioning a future where equity and visibility are realized for all generations. This conversation is a tribute to the ancestors and a call to action for continued solidarity and support.

Be part of history and join the live podcast which includes a lively conversation between 3 local community leaders who have built a vision and future for the Pacific Islander community.

The Tres Generaciones/3 Voices live podcast series at Brava Cabaret features 3 guests from diverse communities and generations throughout San Francisco. The panelist consists of community leaders who have experience working towards building community through activism, art, community organizing and empowerment.

Always framed through the Principles of RAP, the discussion will seek solutions and future action steps that will hopefully build upon the findings of previous discussions to elevate the level of discussion and details for future action steps and conversations.

Founded in 2021, RAMA Blueprints is the 1st podcast documenting the history of the Real Alternatives Program (RAP) within the City and County of San Francisco between 1967 - 2003 along with its current impact on community empowerment in San Francisco and the country.

Please join us for this exciting event that will celebrate SF's Pacific Islander community, RAMA Blueprints Podcast.

This episode was produced and edited by Darren J. de Leon and Socorro Gamboa.

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About the Podcast

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RAMA Blueprints
The History of the Real Alternatives Program (RAP), a Revolutionary Youth Organization practicing Self-Determination.

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About your hosts

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Darren J. de Leon

Darren J. de Leon is an award winning poet from San Bernardino, CA., playwright, podcast/radio producer, street DJ, high school teacher, taquero and community activist. For 12 years, he produced and hosted Radio 2050, a Latino Arts Radio Magazine for KPFA in Berkeley, CA. In the mid 90’s, Darren was a teacher at Real Alternative Programs (RAP High School) where he developed a curriculum that emphasized the practice of non-violence, composition, and self-expression for juvenile delinquents and the chronically truant. Currently, Darren lives in San Bernardino, CA in his family’s house of over 50 years. He continues to write, create art, and tend to his garden of vegetables and fruits. He produced Podcast Descarga: A History of Los Delicados and Project 1521, a poetry podcast. An avid bicycle rider, he can be spotted around the L.A. area on weekends pedaling and enjoying the art and literary scene. He loves mezcal and hates gasoline.
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Socorro Gamboa

Socorro R. Gamboa is a conscious and passionate leader born and raised in Oxnard, California, she is a Community Activist, Artvist, an original Chicano Park muralist, a former high school principal, former Gang Reduction Intervention/Outreach specialist, a podcast producer and a community engagement consultant.
Socorro is truly a renaissance artivist. Socorro moved to San Francisco in 1988 where she began her journey working at the Real Alternatives Program (RAP) where she worked for 15 years as Case Manager, Education DIrector and the interim Executive Director of R.A.P. She also worked as the Director of the Community Response Network (CRN) a city wide community youth violence street intervention program, supervising 25 formerly incarcerated individuals, providing outreach and professionalism development. She is currently the co-founder of the 5 Sisters Audio Garden Production Company and co-producer and host of the RAMA Blueprints Podcast. She is rooted deeply in her spiritual practices, working the land, gardening and preserving the legacy of the elders by leaving a repository of valuable life lessons and insights.