Photographs of my community. A Photovoice project for the Fresno BHC (Building Healthy Communities) Initiative of The California Endowment.

Weapons 
In this picture, I see a pocket knife and a pocket razor. There is also a toy gun. These weapons are controlling the picture. Almost anyone can get a hold of a gun even if it is a toy gun like in this picture, and almost anyone can use these weapons to attack others. These weapons, real or toy, exist because some people believe violence can be solved with death. We could do something about this by making sure people have the proper paperwork to have any of these weapons, and making sure they are only sold in one place.

Pumpkin Smashed 
I see through a closed fence, an alley surrounded by weeds. There is a smashed pumpkin on the ground. The fence is chained together so only a hand can fit through. Alleys are where fights happen, and where people abuse drugs. The pumpkin means something. It’s as if we are the pumpkin, smashed. For example, when we walk down an alley we may get jumped or witness something else bad. A fence can make a young person feel trapped. We can keep the alleys clean to help stop the drug abuse and violence that happens there. We shouldn’t be afraid to seek help or call the authorities if we are in or if we see danger.