The voice of youth is often overlooked in discussions about race relations, say representatives from several Kalamazoo organizations. That's why they're hosting two separate events over the next couple of days, starting with the Kalamazoo Youth Summit on Racism on Saturday. The next program is the Youth Lives Matter Community Forum on Monday. The hope is not only to let young people share their experiences but to offer solutions.
On Thursday's WestSouthwest show, WMUK'sEarleneMcMichael speaks with Jacob Pinney-Johnson of the Southwest Michigan Black Heritage Society, the lead organizer of the Youth Summit, and with the Rev. Lenzy Bell, vice president of the Northside Ministerial Alliance, sponsor of the Youth Lives Matter forum.
The Kalamazoo Youth Summit on Racism is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Kalamazoo College's Arcus Center for Social Justice, at 205 Monroe in Kalamazoo. The Youth Lives Matter Community Forum takes place at 6 p.m. Monday, May 11 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, at 120 Roberson, also in Kalamazoo. Both events are open to the general public and free of charge, with a meal provided to youth participants. Advance registration is not required. The target audience is middle-school- through-college-age persons.
For more information, visit the Kalamazoo Youth Summit on Racism Facebook page. Call Mt. Zion Baptist Church at (269) 388-3111 for questions about the Youth Lives Matter event.
This WestSouthwest segment aired at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7. It repeated at 3:30 p.m.