EVERETT—The Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee hosted the Youth Empowerment for Safer Communities Conference on Saturday, March 15, bringing together young adults and community leaders to address gun violence and drug abuse within the community. The keynote speaker for the event was Jose Garcia, Founder and CEO, Hope for Homies.
With exercises and discussions around the themes of increased awareness of drug use, promoting healthy choices, advocating for change, and community engagement, attendees were:
- Educated about the dangers of drugs;
- Gained a better understanding of the consequences of life-changing choices;
- Introduced to drug policies; and
- Drug prevention efforts.
Presenters for the various themes throughout the conference include:
- Kalei Kaneaiakala, Recovery Café, discussing the consequences of drug use.
- Kirk Mathis, Business & Community Consultant, discussing the importance of strong support systems and positive role models
- Dante Lowe, North Shore Youth Pastor, discussing the building a healthy future with positive life choices
- Pastor Alex Davis, Eastside Church, discussing overcoming life’s challenges and roadblocks
Topics of the 90-minute seven-member panel discussion centered around:
- Entrepreneurship
- Importance of voting
- The forgotten Mariner District of Everett
- Lack upward mobility in homeownership and building generational wealth
- Strength and perseverance
Overall, those we spoke with felt this conference was a good start to uplift and encourage youth to know they are not alone and as a community, the challenges to overcoming gun violence and drug use, starts with surrounding oneself with positive role models and making healthy life choices.
Author: Mario Lotmore
