HAMPTON, Va. — The rain didn't keep people away from the Reunion of Hope event at the Mary Jackson neighborhood center on Sunday. Today's event was designed to instill hope in today's youth. It was also the kickoff event for Hampton’s Youth Violence Prevention Week.
Dillion Richardson is a youth advocate and was in attendance, he knows just how important moments like today are for the community.
"We have a future, we have a goal to achieve. We need to work on creating better opportunities" Richardson said.
Chief of Police, Jimmie Wideman said today's events help community leaders meet folks where they live and address their concerns.
"Youth Violence Prevention Week is an opportunity for our community, our stakeholders to get into the same place at the same time without us showing the support systems that are in place for them," Wideman said.
He said programs like this are a reason youth crime has decreased.
"Because of programs like these, the trends of juvenile are the victims and perpetrates of violence going down, and that shows the success of the programs," Wideman said.
The week-long initiative is hosted by Hopeful Hampton. It's meant to provide youth and young adults with opportunities and resources. The rest of the week is filled with events around the city, including a football competition, resource fair, and gala. Organizers know the work they're doing in the community is crucial.
"The week that we are chronicling at this point is National Victim Rights Week, and also Youth Violence Prevention, where we are increasing public health awareness, and trying to receive citizens' perception of safety as we aim to reduce the loss of life and address community trauma." Executive Director Latiesha Handie said.