Young People Organizing for Change: What’s up with Newark
As the countdown ticks away for the political future and fate of our city, a retro-movement is attempting to resurface with the force of those movements that made Newark one of the most politically relevant cities in America. Not since the National Hip-Hop Political Convention (2004) hosted 40,000 attendants have the young adults of the city been organized in an all-encompassing political atmosphere.On January 4th at Bethany Baptist Church, the board members of Young People Organizing for Change gathered with nearly 50 members of the community from all over the city, ranging in age from 18 to 35. In a charette-style event, attendees discussed three umbrella topics:
1. The Miseducation of Education
2. The Cycle of a Dollar
3. Poverty vs Crime
Using these topics to spark conversation, emotional and substantive conversations could be heard in every corner of the room. Being Newark, there were a myriad of tales to describe the failures and successes of the city as whole. However, most importantly, attendees delivered a host of prescriptions to solve our issues, hoping for pathways for our collective growth and prosperity. The thought from the board is to organize and host several events to gather feedback and foster further conversations and action.
Below are testimonials from participants from the initial event. The second charette will be held on Saturday, February 15th (9AM - 2PM) also at Bethany Baptist Church.
Lynda Lloyd, Organizer:
Why 18-35 population is Important and why the event was created?
"Across the globe, most major movements are led by young people. In our country, young people historically influence change in social justice struggles as well as elections. In the City of Newark, over 30% of the population is under 30. The largest eligible voting block in the city is 18-35. While most of the challenges facing our City significantly impact residents in this age range, we fall below 50% of the population that vote in local elections and are rarely if at all included in the decision making process."
What is the background behind YPOC and these conferences/events?
Young People Organizing for Change (YPOC) is a group of young professionals in the City of Newark coming together to mobilize involvement and develop an agenda for the 18-35 population that impacts our quality of life. "What's Up With Newark? A Conversation About Our City" was part 1 of an organizing series ... Part 2 of the series is a mini conference titled, "Empowering Change Agents. Embracing Your Power." During this conference we will break down the landscape of Newark and learn how our City functions and explore relationships with other levels of government. Additionally, we will learn how to influence change through engaging workshops and panel discussions with young people on the field in various capacities.
Daryn Martin (PTO President, Ivy Hill Elementary; Newark resident):
"I was very impressed by the 18-35 year old Young Leaders that attended. These young leaders had such a great understanding of what the perception and the world thinks of them. I can say without a doubt, that these current and future leaders can teach me and others that are 45 and older, a great deal about life. I went [to the event] to do more listening then talking because I believe that the older generation is guilty of talking at young people and not talking to them. Moreover, older people tend to ignore or shut down young people when they begin to talk. I truly believe that the city of Newark needs to have a Real Youth Summit that is planned, organized and ran by young people. We need to be there for any support they may need, but we should be there to listen to what they have to say. While these Young Leaders were knowledgeable in a range of subject matters, there are a couple that I would like to point out as I close. They definitely understood the difference between Politics vs Poli-tricks, by being able to recognize sincere elected or appointed officials. They understood Money, how it works, the value of their buying power and how powerful it is to not just spend their money with people/companies that support them and their community. But they also realized how to effectively pool their dollars together to create leverage and enjoy collective economics. I look forward to the Conference in February and I will be inviting some people from my age group so we can learn how to get together and share ideas and brainstorm without people having a big ego and thinking we know it all. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that these young people are ready to lead, because they are already doing it. Go Change the World Young Leaders!
Kaleena Berryman (YPOC member):
I am so proud to be a part of Young People Organizing for Change (YPOC). The round table discussions that took place on Saturday reinforced within all of us that there is an urgent need to address the problems that are plaguing our community, but also that we are must take intentful responsibility in doing the work that is required. As young people we have an obligation to take on the upliftment of our people and there is no better place to start than within our own community. We have to change the culture that exists within the last few generations that once you achieve a certain level of education and status, "it's ok to run from Newark". No, there are children here that need us to make it easier, safer, better for them. To be in a room full of young scholars, educators, doctors, students and professionals from all areas with one vision, did something for my spirit. And I believe that every young person in attendance decided in that moment to commit themselves to whatever actions YPOC decide to take on. The movement is building.
