A local teacher in Florida hoped to make a difference in the lives of the youth in Orlando. Now, he headed an event in his local church entitled Youth Justice Forum.
As reported, Seven Charlestin teaches the basics of self-defense at Innovations Charter School. He also offers free boxing lessons at New Life Church.
Inspiring Youth
In a report with Click Orlando, Charlestin shared his vision for the event he planned. He told the news outlet that the church hoped to teach young people life skills and inspire them to be better citizens.
That was why Charlestin also helped to run Las Semillas, one of the church's youth programs. New Life Church hosted its Youth Justice Forum on Sunday, Oct. 10.
As reported, the event featured panelists and speakers from West Orlando to talk to the youth to help them know there is more to life.
Invited Speakers, Panelists
The panelists present at the forum were Rapper Liek Baby, Melo Martin, Phet Dollars, RG Rollie, Sea Yung, and TMG Spook. The artists shared their stories with the young people in attendance.
Charlestin said that they invited artists because they knew they could speak to the youth through their art. He also explained that many of today's young people looked up to musicians and artists like them.
Other panelists invited to the forum included teachers, as well as faith leaders.
Proud of Their Roots
According to the news report, the Florida Student Power Network also helped organize the event. They also hoped that the forum would help the youth be proud of their roots.
The news report said that the youngsters were taught about the five pillars of the rights of the black youth.
"They'll learn about the 5-pillars about what they deserve as black youth, right a place to call their own, arts and culture training and to have their own business and really be able to grow and be as fruitful as they possibly can in this life," said David Caicedo, Florida Student Power Network co-director.
Supporting Youth's Future
As the event started, Charlestin encouraged everyone to support the event and the youth in the community.
He also urged his fellow Orlandians to do what they could to help the youth find a better tomorrow.
Charlestin addressed the youngsters and encouraged them to keep fighting. He assured them that they were not alone in their journey. He also urged them that now is the best time to learn how to build their community.
Growing Violence in Orlando
In an earlier report with WFTV, Orlando was among the leading cities in the United States to end the violence trend among the youth.
Local leaders said that mentorship programs and youth groups played a big part in ending violent crime in the city.
Mike Scott, who leads Helping All Youth Achieve told the news outlet that he has seen many youths get out of juvenile prison and graduate. Scott said that many of those reformed young people wanted to give back to the community.
The report stated that youth programs could help the youngsters take a step in the right direction. Program leaders added that they wanted to see more done in the future.
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