Test no 2 (Copy)
Honoring Community Voices: Kid’s Day / Día del Niño in Northside Houston
As 2024 continues to gain momentum, I find myself embracing more deeply what it means to be a Latino Planner and Urban Designer. This year has reaffirmed that the heart of planning lies in listening, truly listening, to the communities we serve.
On April 27, the children of Northside Houston came together to celebrate Kid’s Day / Día del Niño, filling the neighborhood with joy, energy, and a powerful message. During the parade, kids proudly raised their voices, calling on our local city representatives to hear their needs:
a safe park, a safe school, and a community free of gun violence.
Their message echoed loud and clear:
📢 LISTEN TO MY VOICE 📢
Standing alongside this community was an honor. On behalf of our generous sponsors
@carolfortexas, @marioforhouston, Consuelo Martinez, CGEA | Planning + Design, and Martha Ojeda
I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be present, engaged, and supportive.
During the event, children participated in hands-on activities where they imagined and sketched their ideas for improvements to Henderson Park. Their creativity highlighted what they value most: safe spaces to play, learn, and grow. These visions are more than drawings; they are the foundation for a future that reflects their hopes and needs.
Beyond celebration, the day served as a reminder:
It is time for all representatives, leaders, and authorities to listen intentionally to the voices of our youngest community members. Their insights are honest, important, and essential to building safer, healthier neighborhoods.
At CGEA | Planning + Design, we remain committed to uplifting these voices and ensuring that community driven ideas guide the plans we shape.
