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Hundreds of young people turned out to voice concerns about life growing up in Baltimore City. The National Action Network created a forum for dialogue between Baltimore youth and leaders of the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland.
The leaders in attendance included President of the NAN Rev. Al Sharpton, Larry Young, Sen. Catherine Pugh, Pastor Wesley West and Carmichael “Stokey” Cannady.
Issues discussed included millions in funding to build jails, the elimination of PAL centers, racial profiling by officers, limited resources and poor conditions at area schools.
A press release distributed by the NAN read:
In the weeks after the killing of Freddie Gray, Rev. Al Sharpton hosted national civil rights leaders in Baltimore to address the crisis in the city. At this time Rev. Al Sharpton committed to the young people of Baltimore that he would return for a town hall where their voices could be heard. Also joining the summit are local officials who will listen and give a space for the youth and young adults of Baltimore to voice their opinions. Two hip-hop stations will carry the event.
National Action Network put out a call to Baltimore youth to let them know we wanted to hear from them about their concerns and what needs to be done to improve their quality of life. NAN will advocate to state and city leadership with their suggestions on what can be done immediately as well as develop a long-term plan to address youth issues in Baltimore.
