The Leaders Network, a West Side ministers social justice group, turned over its monthly meeting in July to young West Siders with a promise to listen to them and not just talk about them.
Janeicia Williams, at 27 a younger member of the network, works closely with West Side teens. She helped convene the group of young people who spoke at the July 14 meeting at the Columbus Park Refectory.
“It gave local leaders, especially leaders that attend the churches, that participate in The Leaders Network and other local organizations, the opportunity for them to share their voice and their ideas around why the teens’ trends happen, what motivates them and what they need as far as support,” said Williams.
Williams attends Greater Saint John Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Ira Acree, a founder of the ministers group. Her mother is a secretary and serves on the board of the Great Lakes Credit Union that The Leaders Network brought to Austin.
“Providing this space is important,” Williams said. “A lot of times we’re talking about young people without giving them a seat at the table or a voice in the conversation.”
She said there have been too many conversations had over the best alternatives to solve an issue, “but there haven’t been enough youth-led spaces discussing what should come next, so it’s very crucial to have them.”
The “Youth Take Over The Leaders Network” event allowed the young people of Austin “to speak directly to clergy, elected officials, law enforcement, community leaders, and the media about the challenges they face and the changes they believe are needed to create safer neighborhoods,” according to a press release for the event.
The problem of teen takeovers in Chicago raised concerns over public safety, accountability, and the lack of positive spaces and opportunities for young people over the last few years, but not much has been done to effectively address the issue.
“While much has been said about our youth, far too little has been heard from them,” the press release announcing the event said.
The event was designed for young people to discuss youth violence, education, employment, mental health and the opportunities they need to succeed, without the pressures of outside criticism.
According to a press release following the event, the young speakers were able to express what they believed are the most pressing issues impacting their generation, “including violence, education, mental health, employment opportunities, safe spaces, and the lack of resources needed for young people to thrive.”
They were also able to share their perspectives on why teen takeovers are taking place, challenging Chicago’s leaders to do better at addressing the deeper issues behind them.
Williams said advocating for the youth is also advocating for their greater economic opportunity.
She said that while school is out, youth are in parks and other sorts of free spaces because they cannot afford to go to the arcade or the mall, so increasing “the economic prowess” of young people will give them more opportunities to gather in spaces where they belong.
In accordance with amplifying the voices of young people in Chicago, The Leaders Network’s Executive Board will be moving forward with the creation of a “Youth and Young Adult Division” within the organization.
“This new division will provide a permanent structure for young leaders to bring their voices, ideas, and solutions to the forefront of Chicago’s social justice movement while preparing the next generation of servant leaders,” the press release following the event said.
Williams said the call to action is to keep having these conversations and keep having adults take the back seat to listen to young people.
“This meeting has led a call to the churches and the other caring adults to not just let this be the last conversation that we have just in this meeting forum, but to be able to talk to the kids at their church,” Williams said.
Emma Bradford is an intern for NEWSWELL CHICAGO through Report for America’s Local News Internship Program.