Today's youth, tomorrow's leaders
Kristy Barry
Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
"Heal our city, claim our destiny" was the message put forth by Mayor Cory A. Booker at the Newark Youth Connection Forum held at Paul Robeson Campus Center Saturday.
"Young people are at the forefront of this city, but the reality is that young people are being swallowed up in negative activities," Booker said. "But I don't feel a sense of despondency or despair, I feel a sense of hope."
Newark Youth Connection is program launched in October 2006 to create youth leadership and empowerment in kids from age 14 to 20.
At the all day event, Booker shared stories from the civil rights movement, including an account how a thousand young people signed up to march in Birmingham, Alabama. Though they were met with fierce opposition like the youths at Tienaman Square in Beijing, China who protested their military government, Booker said, the young people were brave enough to stand up and fight for their beliefs.
"Here we are in Newark, the stage is set to take this city out of the darkness," Booker said. "Who will take on the burden of America? Liberty and justice for all...those words do not come easily."
He addressed the audience, urging youth to not just go home with iPods on and plop down in front of a TV but to really challenge their community and their capacity, to be catalysts for change. "I've learned that nothing in life that's truly worthwhile is easy," he said, adding that the young people of Newark inspire him.
The Newark Youth Connection originated in October and is being lead by Margarita Muniz, deputy mayor of neighborhood engagement.
"It's really exciting to see young people across the city coming together...to be a part of a new energy," Muniz said. "I want to be part of the change."
David Collins, a 14-year-old who attends Arts High in Newark, is part of the youth leadership as well as a singing group. "I just love to be involved...trying to bring youth out to understand that we're supposed to be together," Collins said, "that this is a world we should maintain."
"Young people are at the forefront of this city, but the reality is that young people are being swallowed up in negative activities," Booker said. "But I don't feel a sense of despondency or despair, I feel a sense of hope."
Newark Youth Connection is program launched in October 2006 to create youth leadership and empowerment in kids from age 14 to 20.
At the all day event, Booker shared stories from the civil rights movement, including an account how a thousand young people signed up to march in Birmingham, Alabama. Though they were met with fierce opposition like the youths at Tienaman Square in Beijing, China who protested their military government, Booker said, the young people were brave enough to stand up and fight for their beliefs.
"Here we are in Newark, the stage is set to take this city out of the darkness," Booker said. "Who will take on the burden of America? Liberty and justice for all...those words do not come easily."
He addressed the audience, urging youth to not just go home with iPods on and plop down in front of a TV but to really challenge their community and their capacity, to be catalysts for change. "I've learned that nothing in life that's truly worthwhile is easy," he said, adding that the young people of Newark inspire him.
The Newark Youth Connection originated in October and is being lead by Margarita Muniz, deputy mayor of neighborhood engagement.
"It's really exciting to see young people across the city coming together...to be a part of a new energy," Muniz said. "I want to be part of the change."
David Collins, a 14-year-old who attends Arts High in Newark, is part of the youth leadership as well as a singing group. "I just love to be involved...trying to bring youth out to understand that we're supposed to be together," Collins said, "that this is a world we should maintain."
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