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AUGUSTA, Ga ()- On Saturday afternoon, Richmond County’s local leaders gathered at May Park Community Center for a Community Teen Summit and Youth Forum aimed at tackling the growing issue of teen violence.
“Our goal was to provide a safe space for young adults in our community to express themselves and be heard,” explained Cheryl Bryant, one of the coordinators of the event.
The forum specifically targeted teenagers who might be vulnerable to joining gangs or engaging in criminal activities.
“We witness a lot happening with our youth, both in the news and in courtrooms. Whether I’m representing a young person or encountering them in court, I aim to share any information that might keep them out of the legal system, whether for criminal charges or other issues,” stated Katrell Nash, a Juvenile Attorney and Judge.
The event included contributions from community figures such as Sheriff Eugene Brantley and featured panel discussions along with various vendors focused on supporting the local youth.
“We’re here to let the youth know that there are resources in the community for them. There’s job opportunities. There is mentoring. We’ve got gang mentors,” explained Stephanie Allen, the Public Education Specialist for the Augusta Fire Department.
A recurring theme of the event was “It Takes a Village.” Community members said it is important to show up for youth who may be struggling and help them make better life choices.
“We just want them to know that they’re not alone and that whatever their struggles are, whatever they’re going through– cyber bullying, peer bullying, feel like they don’t have the support at home, that they can reach out to community members and that we’re here to help them. All they have to do is ask,” Allen said.
“That they feel as if we care and we want to help and that they know that there are things in place for them to get help,” added Sheriff Eugene Brantley.
The summit was well attended with between 100 and 200 people. Leaders said it made them hopeful that more of Richmond County’s youth will turn from violence and crime and walk a better path.
“I love to see that children are engaged, that they want to know more about their rights. They want to know more about what the law says, as well as what they should do in these situations. It makes me very optimistic about their futures and the future of our community at large,” Nash explained.
“I think it’s going to like open them up to other opportunities. And I hope that they go back to school on Monday and tell their peers what they learned here today,” said Allen.
“Hopefully the kids and the youth who are here will engage with the sponsors and the mentors that are here, and hopefully they’ll learn and make better choices and make better decisions. And learn to respond instead of react to things,” said Sheriff Brantley.
Organizers are hoping the teen summit will become an annual event.
Photojournalist: Avery Van Dusen.