Youth Violence Seminar, Columbia SC

JPower attends the Youth Violence Seminar.

The Israel United in Christ organization hosted a Youth Violence Seminar at the Lorick Community Center in Columbia, South Carolina. JPower was in attendance to show solidarity with other organizations in the fight to save our youth from destructive paths. Based on the Crime in South Carolina Annual Report, compiled and presented by the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, from 2022 to 2023, there is a downward trend for violent crimes and murder rates, statewide. However, 64.4% of murder offenders are categorized as Black/African-American males with 57.7% of murder victims also being Black/African-American males. The report does not distinguish the age demographic of these statistics aside from race.

With this shocking statistic, it follows that non-governmental agencies be prompted to discuss and implement appropriate ways to minimize violent crime in their communities. More specifically, how can communities prevent such crimes. The Youth Violence Seminar and other such forums are necessary in the discussion of prevention. After such discussions, action must be taken to implement programs to address the issues that come up as a result of such meetings.

The Youth Violence Seminar was set up as a panel discussion. The first speaker was Coach Desman Wilks of the Greenview Eagles Youth Athletics. His football and cheer program is a great outlet for children in the City of Columbia. Channelling youth energy into athletics are a great deterrent for idle time.

Councilwoman of District 1 and attorney, Ms. Tina N. Herbert was a panelist at this event. In her role as councilwoman, she currently serves as the Community Development Committee Chair and is a member of the Public Safety Committee and the Arts, Historic Preservation and Philanthropy Committee.

Youth of the Israel United in Christ organization performed two skits displaying some of the challenges that young people face in their everyday lives. Following the skits, Ms. Erica Staley, a Program Manager of the Serve and Connect organization shared some remarks. She was followed by Mr. Jimmy Reed, a retired police sergeant.

The panelists shared their knowledge and insight on a variety of topics related to youth activities, trauma, incarceration, and village-building. Some panelists shared scripture to support their position.

Women from the Saving Sarah's Daughters organization shared staggering statistics about fatherless homes. It was the entirety of their message. It was a missed opportunity for them to share exactly what their program does. Officer Eitan of the Israel United in Christ organization was the keynote speaker.

Overall, panel discussions are a great way to start the conversation. However, action is required to implement programs that can actually change the trajectory of the community.