The University of Memphis is teaming with state representatives to attempt to bridge the gap between local youths and positive change in the community.
“We’re trying to provide a forum for young people to speak out about education, politics, economics, juvenile justice and community,” said Barbara Cooper, District 86 State Representative and retired Memphis city school teacher. “Our main goal is to get students involved.”
The U of M will be home to the 3rd Annual Commemorative Conference, which aims to bring positive change to Memphis area children and young adults. The conference, honoring the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., is intended to teach and inspire young people to work for the betterment of the community.
The Cooper/Jones Initiative, a cooperative venture between Cooper and State Rep. Ulysses Jones, will sponsor the event. The Cooper/Jones Initiative supports learning programs targeting middle school, high school and community college students focusing on the basics of trading and investing in the public securities markets. A major component of the Initiative is to operate positive youth intervention and learning centers in the greater Memphis area, such as the Bloomfield Learning Center.
“We decided to hold the conference at (The U of M) because The University of Memphis has always been very cooperative and accommodating,” Cooper said.
Beginning April 4, the two-day conference, themed “Bridge the Gap,” will include bus tours of the Shelby County Juvenile Court, the Memphis Youth Habilitation Center and Tall Trees Shelby Training Center.
“Hopefully, by touring the detention centers, we can shed new light on the reality of some Memphis youth,” Felicia Carpenter, the Chair of the Youth Council and event coordinator, said.
Members of the tour will consist of a limited number of college students from a number of schools including The University of Memphis, Tennessee State University and LeMoyne-Owen College.
Following the tour, a reception and dramatic presentation featuring Treadwell High School students will be held in The University’s Psychology Building.
April 5, the final day of the event, will feature Ayanna Gregory, the daughter of famous ’60s Civil Right activist and comedian Dick Gregory. Gregory uses her teachings as well as song, dance and drama to motivate students.
African-centered advocate and consultant Morris F. X. Jeff will directly follow her. Jeff, director of the Human Services Department for New Orleans, is presently attempting to establish an education complex in Kibi, Ghana.
