July 15 can only be described as a very hot day and perhaps best spent inside in an air-conditioned building. The hot day did not deter hundreds of youth and youth leaders from attending the 2016 Youth Summit presented by The Mel Blount Youth Home of Pennsylvania and African American Strategic Partnership. The theme of the day was “The Fierce Urgency Now: Transforming Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.”
Member organizations made their way to Claysville, Pa. for a day of workshops on health & wellness, trauma, healthy relationships, parent/child conflict, violence and education. Former Pittsburgh Steeler Mel Blount and Mel Blount Youth Home founder made arrangements for the Pittsburgh Steelers “Traveling Great Hall” to be on site and open for all to take a tour. Minister Brandon Humphries of Union Baptist Church in Monessen was the keynote speaker and as a former resident of the Mel Blount Youth Home he delivered a heartfelt message to youth who are now where he once was. The workshop focused on young people of color and how life situations can affect them in negative ways resulting in expulsions, incarceration and becoming a part of the juvenile justice system.
The morning program also included: Mel Blount, Aaron Mickens, Reverend Victor Grigsby, Zanetta Wingfield, Brittany Powell and Brace Lowe. Participants enjoyed breakout sessions, lunch, entertainment and at tour of the Mel Blount Youth Home.
AASP member organizations include: A Second Chance, Inc., Small Seeds Development, Inc., Center for Family Excellence, Greater Valley Community Service, Familylinks, Macedonia, FACE, Inc., Mel Blount Youth Home, Three Rivers Adoption Council, Gwen’s Girls, Homewood Children’s Village, Three Rivers Youth, Hill House, Project Destiny, Bible Center and Touching Families.
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