Two DC nonprofits Stereotype Us and my organization, Neighborhood Empowerment Working Success or N.E.W.S. hosted a Community Youth Day at Hopkins Apartments (1430 L Street, SE) on October 26, 2013.  This was the first COMMUNITY YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION but we intend to make it an annual event. The following video, produced by independent video producer Lawrencia Taylor, documents beautifully this wonderful event.
It was a wonderful blessing, and surprise when our own Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells showed up to say hello, and to communicate to us how pleased he was of what we were doing here in the community.  This was a Resident Driven event in which we reached out to the surrounding neighborhood, as to engage the community in this positive fruitful venture “to Empower the Youth”. In this effort “The Word of God Baptist Church” just 2 blocks away~ donated three (3) tables, and a few chairs which were needed so the elderly who attended would have comfortable seating.

The day consisted of a community clean-up, grilling of hotdogs, hamburgers, and tossing salad, with plenty of food, and drinks for ALL (there was even food, and drinks left over.) Also there was live music with African drummers, and also a DJ playing great music for the youth, and their parents. To top it all off ,there was a youth poetry contest with 6 participants: 1st place winner received a $30 gift card, 2nd place winner received a $25 gift certificate, and 3rd place winner received a $15 gift certificate, of course ALL the participants received a Certificate with their name on it signed by STEREOTYPE US, and N.E.W.S.. WOW! Were they happy, and surprised? There were 23 persons who received a winter coat, with coats left over for the next coat drive. We also had a guest performer poet/rapper called Jeremiah. There was a Hopkins parent who had two (2) youth who participated in the poetry contest. After watching her children, she also came to the outdoor stage to recite a poem that she wrote herself…which was very good.

There is a lot of talent in Public Housing, many diamonds in the rough. The only thing missing is for the residents to have the opportunities to shine with people who really care about building strong foundations within the family structure. That means building more consistent programs within a family like environment that reinforces sharing, and caring…coming together to celebrate whatever they are willing to offer. You will see diamonds in the rough surfacing with a shine that you never thought existed, because of the public housing stigma’s that just seem to not go way. Stereotype US; I don’t think so…especially if you had been at the 1st Annual Hopkins Apartments Youth Community Day Celebration.

The event took place from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. During the Poetry contest many of the parents were present, and sat to cheer their children on to victory. In closing there was a group effort of the youth along with their parents cleaning up the entire playground. That was a beautiful sight to behold. A sight that if provided more consistently to the residents, you will see the seeds of (building) unity amongst the residents. There were no fights, no harsh words, everything was so peaceful, as everyone worked together in unison with purpose, and that was to share, and enjoy the celebration. No one in their right mind would stop such a positive effort of CHANGE  in the minds, and hearts of the youth…..Ready for change, I am. Won’t you join me!

Abena Disroe is the Founder of Neighborhood Empowerment Working Success, LLC.  She is an author and a poet dedicated to sharing her talent and creativity with her community and the world.