Vallejo Project will host “Diverse Voices: A Panel On Identity,” an engaging exploration of Vallejo’s character and culture on Feb. 3 at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.

Founded in 2020, Vallejo Project offers teens and young adults access to Pathway programs that teach them a range of wellness and trade skills. From hands-on opportunities with carpentry and electricity, to music clinics and podcasting, Vallejo Project aims to elevate the mindset and ability of the city’s young adults.

Drawing inspiration from its new calendar as a way to spark conversation, the event will delve into the heart of Vallejo’s identity and feature insights from a panel of talented individuals.

One such individual will be local youth artist, Orobosa Olotu, whose unique perspective promises to add vibrancy to the discussion.

As a panelist for the conversation, Olotu is a prime example of the growth that Vallejo Project fosters within the youth community. Olotu began in Vallejo Project’s inaugural cohort of youth leaders four years ago as a student at Mare Island Technology Academy.

Having made his way through the program, he was later employed by Vallejo Project and then contracted to illustrate its 2024 calendar.

The calendar serves as a type of visual mission statement for the organization. Utilizing local talent and incorporating the landmarks of Vallejo culture and history, the calendar is both reflective and inspirational. This year, Olotu’s illustration features the well-known Empress Theatre.

For its first ever calendar, Vallejo Project commissioned Yuji Morita, a regular at the Vallejo Farmers Market and a fixture in the community, to re-envision Vallejo in 2020. Morita brought together images of the bridge, the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve, late night street scenes and people going to work in a fully representative snapshot of the city.

The subsequent year featured a multi-cultural focus on education with images of karate workshops, bonsai workshops and a Jewish bar mitzvah. Last year focused on community events such as Waterfront Weekend, Day of the Dead and other local cultural events.

“We understand that the concept of culture is very diverse and broad, as diverse as this city,” said Vallejo Project founder Adjoa Mcdonald.

As Mcdonald looks ahead to the upcoming conversation, she noted a number of things that will be interesting to see play out. Chief among them being the participation of attendees.

“I’m certain it will allow for a lot of unique discussion,” she said, going on to quote “man makes plans and God laughs.”

One unforeseen change occurred in the museum’s availability, resulting in the conversation being scheduled during Black History Month. Mcdonald considered the effect this might have, saying she hoped it would be a point of reflection.

“As an educator, I see in terms of test scores,” she said. “Native Americans and African Americans are the most vulnerable members of society in terms of test scores, and those two groups have faced the most atrocities in this land. When we think about how to develop a strong society, we need to look at the most vulnerable, and to strengthen that vulnerability. Having that conversation during Black History Month seems an opportunity to reflect on how to strengthen and support African American communities and, so too, the rest of the world.”

IF YOU GO:

• WHAT: Diverse Voices: A Panel On Identity
• WHERE: Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, 734 Marin St., Vallejo
• WHEN: Feb. 3, 10-11 a.m.
• TICKETS: Free