RICHMOND — When former gang member Gonzolo Rucobo was growing up in Richmond, he never imagined himself standing on stage explaining the vitality of violence prevention.
Years later, however, his voice and the voices of others have worked to combat the crime affecting those within the community.
Hosted by the Southeast Asian Young Leaders (SEAYL), Richmond Youth Student Empowerment (RYSE) and other local organizations, the sixth annual Youth Stopping Violence Summit was held Saturday in the Richmond Auditorium to address the power of the young community putting a stop to crime.
Featuring a series of workshops, speakers and performances held throughout the day and ending with a candlelight vigil, the event promoted the importance of the youth movement toward establishing a change.
“Stand up for all the difficult times,” Mayor of Richmond Gayle McLaughlin said in a speech. “(We’re suffering) environmental issues and social and economic crises. How will your generation relate to all of this?
“Your generation is essential in doing the fight,” she said.
Though dedicated to educating the public, the day also paid tribute to those lost to violence.
The first Youth Stopping Violence Summit was held after Middle College High School and Contra Costa College student Chan Boonkeut was murdered in her home due to gang violence in 2003.
In addition, a moment of silence honored SEAYL member Alan Lee, who was killed in an October shooting during a drug deal.
“(Violence) is something the youth has to address,” SEAYL Program Coordinator John Abella said. “(We need) to educate the community about the real issues.”
Tables were set up promoting a series of organizations and programs dedicated to saving members of the community from violence.
Groups such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Asian Law Caucus, Youthworks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Council, Rubicon Programs Inc., Bay Area Peacekeepers, Anakbayan East Bay and others were organized to educate attendants.
“(This event) is important because it sends a united message that not only does the youth care about violence, but they care to do something about it,” said Eva Gernier, Rubicon Programs Inc. program coordinator.
An assortment of workshops taught different groups about anger management, self-respect, healthy living, drugs and alcohol, ethnic studies, dating violence and other aspects of aggression leading to criminal activity.
“The main thing about the (Youth Stopping Violence Summit) is (attendants) come here to take something out of the workshops here,” Anakbayan East Bay member Greg Ollano said.
Contact Asia Camagong at acamagong.advocate@gmail.com
Youth conference combats violence
Published: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Be the first to comment on this article!