Joseph (Joey) thrived within the Peace Corps community with nicknames including Sprout and Cheito. Joey was embraced by his Paraguayan family and friends prompting his Peace Corps namesake, Paul to dedicate a tree planted at the American Embassy to him. Prior to his second birthday he moved to Augusta, GA.
From his first performance in The Wiz, (Augusta Mini Theater) through middle school at Davidson Fine Arts, music at Lucy Craft Laney and song at Richmond Academy Joey stretched his dramatic and musical abilities including performances with community theater and secured the starring role as Luther, when he was only 15 years old.
Joey’s commitment to community involvement and activism was evident from a young age when he worked for the Boys and Girls Club and later was elected President of the Young Dems where he was able to accelerate, share and implement his ideas about how to help his community. Joey later work on campaigns was always determined by his sincere belief in the shared principles and values of the candidates with whom he engaged.
As a young father, he was a dedicated dad who passed on his love of the arts and politics to his young son, Armand who has been seen dancing and heard singing the complete chorus of Hamilton. Joe had hoped to rekindle his artistic passions after settling in California.
Joseph passed away on February 11, 2021, after being diagnosed with hemolytic anemia and subsequently contracting Covid 19. Joseph leaves behind a son, Armand (11) his parents, Denice Traina and Anibal Ibarra, his brother, Joshua, his partner, Jessica, and her daughter Abrianna (10). He also leaves behind his Aunt Debe and Uncle Troy, Tia Carmen and Tios Jose (Tito), and Cesar. His extended family of cousins, friends, and activists around the country both grieve and celebrate his life and all he meant to us.
Joey was like a sponge; we were all a part of him.
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His Story
What would Joey do?
Live life to the fullest, find a cause that needs you, be a good friend.
Denice
Democracy Done Right
“I think we have to appreciate, that the purpose of organizing is to uplift the worth and dignity in each other in perpetuity, we are all in this together. Politics done wrong makes us forget that. Done right, we can remember.”
“I know it’s going to be a process, and people are still waking up to what Mutual Aid and organized direct political action is, but if we can bring the movement, with all its people, economy, and purpose together, into this Dandelion Collective, oh, I know we can pick up the work and succeed in so many ways than electoral politics is made for.”
“When Black communities are truly celebrated, loved, protected, uplifted, all of us are the better for it. All of us are more. Anger can melt into love. Injustice can thaw into equality. Unfair economy can shift to real Community equity. Everyone gets a plate. A hug. A chance. The Human family grows. The world heals. When black lives matter, all lives thrive.”
“No One Is Safe in a country where civilians are so frequently killed by authorities and vigilantes. Black men are the most in danger but don’t be complacent by superficial Degrees of Separation. So, help fight for black men’s lives like your own family. Fight for black men’s lives because it’s the right thing to do. Fight for black men’s lives because fascists and racists don’t stop without a fight. It is essential to safety, Justice, Democracy, Freedom, and the Redemption of our souls.”
Joseph Ibarra Traina
Are we having fun?
Are we being effective?