Founded in 2016, the Social Justice Sewing Academy is an art program that bridges artistic expression with activism. By using textile art as a vehicle for personal transformation and community cohesion SJSA empowers youth to become agents of social change. We bring together artist-mentors, youth, and community members to learn and create through community centered projects. Using art as an organized methodology, we promote a model that actively engages in conversations with our surrounding community through the lens of contemporary art. We support youth to become civically engaged artists as they are challenged to tackle current social issues in their community that directly affect their lives.