Children, young adults and their parents spoke with many leaders, including the mayor and state representatives.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven students put local leaders on the spot Saturday, asking what can be done to make their schools and their city safer and stronger.
After another teenager was shot in New Haven this week, leaders say hearing directly from young people has never been more important.
New Haven police say a 17-year-old boy was shot after a fight Friday morning in the area of Admiral Street and Dixwell Avenue.
Youth Speaks was scheduled weeks before, but the city’s mayor said this incident makes the event that much more significant.
“Accountability is very important,” Mayor Justin Elicker said. “On the other hand, we want to make sure our young people make the right decisions. That’s why we have so many different programs in the city. We just opened a new youth and recreation center in the city to help support our young people and to surround them with mentors.”
New Haven students brought their concerns to a panel of politicians and local leaders, asking how they can work together to improve the city’s schools and safety.
“It’s gun violence, fights, everything,” one student said. “It’s stolen cars, everything.”
“I walk 20 minutes to get to my bus stop each morning,” another said.
“In my school, they don’t have any drama or acting clubs,” a third student said. “So, I’m trying to make my own drama club at my school.”
Host of the event, Alder Angel Hubbard, said these kids’ courage inspires her.
“To put the mayor on the spot, to put the state representatives on the spot—talking about homelessness, the schools’ conditions and the city’s school buses—it took a lot for them,” she said.
The panelists told the students about both affordable and free programs they can join outside of school, encouraging parents to help their kids find their hobbies and communities.
They also said a lack of state and federal funding keeps them from quickly improving in-school programs and facilities. However, they are still fighting.
“We have a lot more work to do as a society, but these kinds of honest and direct conversations are one way that we can break down those barriers and really help our young people,” Elicker said.
Hubbard said the alders will keep hosting events like this so more future leaders can make their voices heard.
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
