Teens Offer Solutions to Pressing Issues
By Tia Carol Jones
WI Staff Writer
Thursday, April 24, 2008

  
In an effort to make the youth of Prince George’s County a part of the political process, the County Council Community Leadership Institute held Teen Talk II, on April 17 at Prince George’s Community College. The Communication Leadership Institute has eight students in its youth commission, which is comprised of young people from all over the county. During Teen Talk II, they gathered to discuss some of the pressing issues affecting their generation. It was the second time in two months the Leadership Institute held the forum.
  
Jacqueline Brown is with the office of the president of Prince George’s Community College and served as the moderator of the forum. Brown said it was important to hear from the youth in the community and described the program as “outstanding” and “probably one of our better programs.”
  
“We are looking to you to articulate the needs of the youth in County,” Brown told the youth commissioners.
  
Brown said the youth commission was the vision of Councilwoman Marilyn Bland (D-Dist. 9) of Clinton, five years ago and since the first forum, which was held last month, the council members have been talking about ways to bridge the generation gap.
  
“It is a chance to bring the youth out and really engage them, to switch roles with our youth and hear what they have to say,” Bland said.
  
Greg Long, a junior at Forestville Military Academy, spoke about how his generation could become a better one. He said the first thing people in his generation have to do is be able to accept change.
  
“We have to follow the plan and not waiver from it. Playtime is over [for the] present generation. It’s time for a change,” Long said.

Long also said his generation must set an example for the younger generations and that young people have to be careful of their contacts. He said the members of his generation have to represent themselves as role models.
  
Chanae Palmer, a sophomore at DuVal High school, spoke about priorities, and the need for more clubs at school that do not have grade requirements so all students can participate. She also said students need more support from people in the community.
  
“We just need anybody to lead and show the way and not give up on us,” Palmer said.
  
Alvin Rich, a junior at Grace Brethren Christian School, spoke about music and the influence it has on young people’s lives to motivate and inspire.
  
Rich said young people need to ask themselves “what is the desired effect of the music I listen to?” and “what is the purpose of this song?” He also said young people need to be careful what messages they support.
  
“Even some young women chant lyrics that are degrading to females,” he said.
  
Shanita Williams, a junior at Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School, spoke about the virtual world and the myspace and face book phenomena. Lamont Kinney, a sophomore at Fairmont Heights High School, spoke about the prevalence of stereotypes that police have about young people. Shaun Goddard, a senior at Bishop McNamara High School, spoke about perceived stereotypes and the need for more men and women role models for youth. Ben Barrows, a junior at Bowie High School, spoke about truancy.

Tia Carol Jones can be reached at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net.