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To recognize our 20th anniversary, L.A. Youth hosted a roundtable discussion moderated by L.A. Times sports columnist Kurt Streeter. Current and former writers talked about issues that have been important to teens over the years. In this clip, writers discuss why they’ve wanted to tell their stories and what writing has meant to them. To check out the other videos go to our "videos" page.

It all began in 1988 when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down student press rights, giving school officials broad powers to censor student newspapers. That afternoon, L.A. Youth was created to give an uncensored voice to Los Angeles teens. What began at a kitchen table and 2,500 copies has grown into a newspaper with a readership of 500,000 delivered to 1,300 teachers who share the paper with their students.

Also,

to celebrate our anniversary, we read through our archives going back to the first issue to select stories that represent our best

writing, and which still have the power to connect with teens today. You can read some of these stories in our special anniversary section. We’re celebrating our anniversary all year, so look for more “Best Of” stories in every issue of 2008.

Also, we look back at stories we’ve published about the struggles teens face, from depression to eating disorders to dealing with the death of a loved one.

And we are also proud to be publishing quotes from respected journalists who support what we do.

L.A. Youth has done a lot of great work during the past 20 years, and we’re proud to be celebrating our anniversary with you.

—L.A. Youth staff

MY SCHOOL DESERVES BETTER – AND SO DO I
Better teachers, more books, smaller classes and better scheduling would help us learn more. Reprinted from 1998.

 
I’M AMERICAN, I GUESS – OR AM I CHINESE?
When he moved here from Taiwan as a kid, Vincent, 18, knew exactly who he was. But now after years of trying to become as American as apple pie, he is torn between two identities. Reprinted from 2000.

 
A DARKER SHADE OF RACISM
Black teens struggle with rejection from their own race. Reprinted from 1992.
 



Previous reprinted stories


ALONE AGAIN
After being dumped by his girlfriend, Daniel, 18, looks for comfort in U2, dance clubs and other girls. Reprinted from 1997.

DOING TIME
Peter, 17, describes his fear and regret as he sits locked up in juvenile hall waiting to be sentenced to state prison. Reprinted from 2002.

THE NAKED TRUTH
Volleyball, talking about the weather and putting sunscreen in unusual places, Kel, 19, describes his visit to a nudist colony. Reprinted from 1998.

WHERE I’M FROM
Guianna, 16, says L.A. is the easy answer—but there’s more to it than that. Reprinted from 2002.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE
A look back at the stories L.A. Youth has published about the serious side of teen life. Printed in January-February 2008 Issue.



Click here to read quotes from respected journalists congratulating L.A. Youth on its work.