May 11, 2008

R.A.V.E. attracts youths

Summit aims to keep children, teens away from illegal activities

By Mark Abramson / Daily News Staff Writer

"Don't let the streets beat you; beat the streets."

It was one of many messages Andre Aikins wanted children to remember at the Rising Above Violence Everyday (R.A.V.E.) Youth and Young Adult Summit 2008 in East Palo Alto on Saturday.

Aikins, the program operations manager at the Omega Boys & Girls Club in San Francisco, was one of several speakers at Castano Elementary School. His message - and the event's goal - was intended to steer children and young adults away from the violence that has gripped East Palo Alto.

Aikins shared his experiences of growing up in East Oakland, selling drug, participating in car side shows and doing just about anything else illegal. His life began to change after seeing his partner in drug dealing get killed, he said, and he began to make different choices. Eventually, he became a vice principal before joining the Boys & Girls Club.

He told the children to "use today as a resource that will help you navigate through life," Aikins said.

There were plenty of resources at the summit for teens and young adults to use to steer away from crime and violence. Job training groups, community service organizations and other groups had booths at the summit. College Track, a nonprofit college prep program, was advising students about career and college options after high school.

"I think it's good because it educates (people) and raises awareness about the different programs," said Monisha McCall, 16, a Palo Alto High School junior.

McCall attended one programthat focused on how girls could identify areas of their lives and in their community that they need to change. She and the other girls chose to look at effects of racism and violence in that workshop.

This was McCall's second year at the summit, but for many of the people there, it was something new.

Raynisha Williams, 16, said the summit was an eye opener. "It was a good idea," she said.

Williams, a sophomore at James Logan High School in Union City and East Palo Alto resident, said she had no idea there were so many groups that could help children out with college, tutoring and counseling.

About 600 youths were expected to attend the summit, said Kahbral Muhammad, who works for the nonprofit One East Palo Alto. The nonprofit focuses on community quality-of-life issues and crime prevention, and it was one of the event's main organizers.

"Last year we helped contribute to the climate that contributed to a lull in violence," Muhammad said.

The East Palo Alto Police Department and Wells Fargo also helped organize the summit.

Police Chief Ron Davis said not only did the first summit help contribute to that decrease in violence last spring as well as the Unity March in March and other activities, it was a good step in bringing government policy makers and youths together to come up with solutions.

"Extra cops alone are not going to do it," Davis said.



E-mail Mark Abramson at mabramson@dailynewsgroup.com.