SOUTH CHICAGO — Young people will moderate a South Side forum that will feature a discussion of issues they face on a daily basis, including gun violence.
The public forum, "Youth Chat-Volume 1," runs from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 28 at Christ Bible Church of Chicago, 7877 S. Coles Ave., and is sponsored by South Chicago resident and 7th Ward aldermanic candidate Keiana Barrett and Pangea Real Estate.
Barrett, the former chief of staff to disgraced Ald. Sandi Jackson and a former press secretary for Chicago Public Schools, said the recent shooting death of teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, the new school year CPS and relationships between youths and law enforcement agencies are among the topics that will be covered.
"As communities across the city of Chicago work to combat violence, instill family and neighborhood values, while creating enterprising and equal opportunities for future growth, the common denominator is youth empowerment," said Barrett.
She added that too often adults do not take into consideration how young people feel about issues affecting them.
"Historically, the voice that has been marginalized from the think tanks around anti-violence and community renewal, is that of young people. In order for us to change course and create a fresh start in our communities and across the city, the youth must become our thought partners," said Barrett.
Young people living in South Chicago, a neighborhood plagued by violence, need more programs to keep youths safe and occupied doing something positive, she said.
"Aside from the parks, our young people do not have access to hubs where they can be engaged in safe and meaningful programs, particularly during hours when they are most vulnerable," said Barrett.
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