Blair hosts first annual Long Branch Youth Speak Out

The first annual Long Branch Youth Speak Out was held in the student parking lot at Blair on Aug. 28. The five-hour event, organized by parent Gina Smallwood, gave students and parents a chance to participate in several workshops and activities.

After an opening performance by Colors, a performing arts group for social change, the Speak Out started with an open discussion mediated by Eshe Armah. During the discussion, parents and children discussed issues ranging from the upcoming presidential election to the power parents have over their children, to which Armah commented, "You don't think you have power…but that's not true."

Armah believes that the discussion was a success, despite the slow start. "It's difficult to have a dialogue when you're rushed," said Armah. Larry Bell from The National Coalition Building Institute, D.C. Chapter, held a diversity workshop after the discussion.

Although the turnout for the event was meager, Jim Johnson, from the Long Branch Neighborhood Initiative, commented that nobody really knew how many people will attend. "You could have 1,000 people here or it could be a washout. That's the gamble you take when you organize an event like this," said Johnson.

Smallwood said that the main purpose of the Speak Out, originally planned in March, was to have a community event where students and parents could speak their minds and listen to each other. "We want to give you a chance to actually have a voice about the issues," said Smallwood.