Progress Seen Following Meeting in Fayetteville NC Addressing Violence, Drug and Suicide Crisis

What's Next? Initiative Get's Off To A Great Start Following Private Meeting Addressing Violence, Drug and Suicide Crisis In Fayeteville, NC. Participants included City and County Officials with Youth and Various Community Leaders in Fayetteville NC.  

Within one week of the Private Unity Meeting, young men began to enroll in college and trade programs, CEO Tony U. Brown stated, “this is what we mean by meeting them halfway, a lot of the young men and women I come across want to do right, they just need a bit of support and direction.”  “Speaking with the Mayor and City Officials really meant a lot to them.”

Fayetteville Technical Community College High School Connections ProgramPhoto byTony Brown

Fayetteville, NC — In a groundbreaking private meeting held recently, city and county elected officials, X-gang members, organization leaders, community advocates, veterans, and youth convened to address the pressing issues facing their community. The meeting aimed to foster dialogue, understand the concerns of the youth, and discuss initiatives that would positively impact the lives of young residents. Elected officials In attendance included Mayor Mitch Colvin, County Commissioner Glenn Adams, City Councilwoman Shakeyla Ingram and City Councilwoman Brenda McNair. This initiative was spearheaded by veteran and Southern CC, Inc. CEO Tony Brown.

Mayor Mitch Colvin, one of the key figures in this assembly, shared his reflections on the meeting, highlighting the insights gained. "I learned a lot. I learned that there's a desire by many young people to do the right thing and to not be in dangerous situations. And there's a responsibility that we have that I heard. I think that we have to hear them more, that's what I heard a lot of. Nobody's hearing what I'm saying," stated Colvin when referencing the thoughts expressed by the youth. "We need to let them know we're listening," he emphasized.

CEO Mr. Tony U. Brown (left) Mayor Mitch Colvin (right)Photo byL3 Brand Photography

City Councilwoman Brenda McNair also spoke passionately about the initiatives and opportunities introduced for the youth following the private meeting. "I was very excited to hear about that. It took someone that saw an interest in my well-being when I was young. I thought I knew where I was going but I didn't."

CEO Mr. Tony U. Brown (left) City Councilwoman Brenda McNair (right)Photo byL3 Brand Photography

Councilwoman Shakeyla Ingram addressed the prevalent stigmas surrounding the youth in their community. "I think that there's a stigma that is being placed on the youth and it's taking a turn to where it is impacting a lot of youth who are not necessarily doing wrong. There is also a stigma in place to where people feel that it's gang-related, which is also not necessarily true." Ingram expressed concerns about the accessibility of positive activities for all youth, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. "As a councilwoman, I'm concerned about the cost of living because we don't want our youth turning to negative activities that have the potential to impact their future simply because they don't have the means to partake in positive activities," she added.

Councilwoman Shakeyla Ingram (left)Photo byL3 Brand Photography

Lambo, CEO of the HOPE Project, reflected on the meeting's profound impact. "To see not only the adults in the room but to see the youth participation and how they stood up for themselves and how they felt as young men left a lasting impression."

TRENT MARTINEZPhoto byTony Brown

Dayquon White, representing Vet's for Youth Programs, emphasized the importance of community engagement. "I believe that the city needs people like us and what we have going on to go into these underserved communities and actually talk to these kids. Over-policing or forgetting about them is going to eventually cause more problems."

DAYQUON WHITEPhoto byTony Brown

The private meeting served as a crucial step towards fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the community. Elected officials, leaders, and advocates alike expressed their commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the youth, aiming to tackle issues and provide opportunities for a brighter future.

Mr. Tony U. Brown is scheduling meetings with churches and various organizations such as Masonic and Eastern Stars, Fraternities and Sororities.  “Frats Got Your Back” stop the violence youth bowling event has already been organized and will be held Sunday October 29^th 2024 at Main Event in Fayetteville NC. 

If you would like to be a part of meetings or events please contact Mr. Tony U. Brown at tonyubrown@southernccinc.org.

To share your stories or to inquire about media interviews concerning this story, contact The L3 Brand at (910) 491-9917 or Contact@L3Brand.com.