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Teen Cotillion Week 3- Youth Voice and Youth Advocate

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In Week 3, the Debs and Beaus had the opportunity to truly express their voice. We brought in a panel of Youth Advocates whom answered question the teens wanted to get answers to on a variety of topic areas

The panel consisted of:
Carlotta Wade – Recreation Specialist of Central Area Operation, M-NCPPC

William Dunn – Facility Director of Marlow Heights Community Center, M-NCPPC

Trevin Green – Inspirational Speaker /Health, Wellness & Aquatics Instructor, M-NCPPC

MeShai Anthony – Student at Bowie State University / Childcare Facilitator, Sports and Learning Complex, M-NCPPC

A few questions asked by teens include:
• “Why does Police brutality happen so often?”

• “What is the percentage of Blacks that die from police brutality?”

• “How do you get a free college education?”

• “How do you say no to a guy that’s pressuring you for sex?”

• “What do you do if you see someone getting bullied?”

• “Academics, why are they so important that they have the ability to determine your college?”

• “How do you stop a friend who is contemplating suicide?”

• “Why are so many high school courses so irrelevant?”

• “Why is the presidential debate so important?”

• “What do you think about the term New Slavery?”

• “How can we build a strong safe community?”

• “How can I keep stress down?”

• “What are some good job opportunities available at this point in time?”

The Debs & Beaus had a lot of great questions for the Youth Advocates. We weren’t able to answer all of their questions in this session; however we were able to get the conversation started.

The Debs and Beaus shared what they gained from tonight Youth Panel:

• “Self-confidence was my favorite topic tonight because it made me understand that I AM WORTH IT!” – Maryam Muhammad

• “Police brutality because to me it’s very new. It upset me to see the young males mostly black, getting this type of treatment from the police who are supposed to protect you regardless of race.” – Tiffany Scott

• “College and the fact that it might not be for everyone.” – Ryan Smith

• “The most interesting topic was about having multiple incomes. I say that because I want to make money the best way.” – Nicolas Deleon

• “Topic that was most interesting was about mistakes. This topic is interesting to me because a lot of times people think it isn’t ok to make a mistakes and they let it hang over them. Also adults are hard on children and it seems like it they don’t understand that it’s ok to make mistakes.” – Gaibrielle Bressler

• The teens also shared how they felt about getting to have a Youth Voice.

• “Speaking on the different topics was cool because we could basically had freedom to say what we wanted.” – Tariq Marsh

• “It is necessary for people to take a stand on the issues important in their lives, Taking moments to reflect helps me come to terms with where I stand.” – Alexis Neblett

• “It made me open up a little and helped me to know that all teen lives matter.” – Da’Nysia Fisher

• “Speaking out made me feel good because I usually am afraid to speak in front out people but tonight I felt comfortable.”
– Zakiyyah Thompson

Hopefully, through the conversation, the teens and staff were able to bond that much more as we continue moving along the Teen Cotillion pathway.