Luz Hernandez
Bronx, NY

My name is Luz Hernandez, also known as Luz Tha Goddess. I am an Afro-Latina activist, advocate, artist, and photographer from The Bronx, dedicated to empowering marginalized communities. I first encountered the Youth Justice Network during my time in incarceration, where I participated in poetry, music, and art therapy workshops. As someone labeled high-risk with few opportunities for rehabilitation, these creative outlets helped me heal from the trauma of fighting a 25-to-life sentence.

“Meet Me at the Crossroads” is a powerful photography project that challenges the labels imposed by the criminal justice system, showcasing the resilience and success of individuals impacted by it. Through raw and unapologetic imagery, this series forces policymakers and executives to confront the hidden traumas that are often neglected by our culture, such as intimate partner violence, gang affiliation, and unhealed emotional wounds. This project seeks to destigmatize those labeled by the criminal justice system, while also inspiring justice-impacted individuals to realize their lives are not defined by their charges. By documenting these stories, “Meet Me at the Crossroads” strives to create safe spaces for discussing the root causes of incarceration and to illustrate the challenges faced by returning citizens as they reintegrate into society. The project advocates for systemic reforms and safe spaces that address these root causes, ultimately promoting meaningful reintegration.