TNT Youth Leader & YA! ED Speak
After an eye-opening news conference held last week at which Oakland’s acting police chief discussed a surge in violence and a rash of burglaries in the city, CBS Bay Area looked at what community groups like Youth ALIVE! are doing to stem the tide of violence and empower Oakland youth to create change. The report featured interviews with Teens on Target youth leader Sierra Taylor and YA! executive director Joseph Griffin. A student at Castlemont High in East Oakland, Sierra spoke about what TNT youth learn and the lessons they take to their peers. “We started discussing the root causes of violence, such as poverty, easy access to guns, drugs, and alcohol, and how all of these factors contribute to violence. I became passionate about addressing these issues,” Sierra explained. Dr. Griffin talked about the complex roots of violence in Oakland and the long journey to healing after violence. “Programs like Teens on Target, and our violence interruption program, ensure that individuals receive assistance from the moment of trauma to their healing journey,” Griffin said. See the CBS Bay Area video and report here.