“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglass
These words spoken by the legendary educator, author, and race man now encompass Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ Year of The Youth Initiative. Launched in January of 2023, attendees gathered almost one year to the day of the kickoff, on January 31st, to reflect on the progress made thus far.
Ayan Hickman, 20, a Georgia Tech business analytics major and Year Of The Youth ambassador took the stage first, sitting with Dickens, his fellow Year of the Youth ambassadors, and city officials. Hickman spoke of his experience in the program in the Atlanta City atrium to attendees made up of sponsors, mentors, and participants in the program: “We are not just the future; we are the architects of today. We are capable and will produce as much change as our successors,” said Hickman.
Following Hickman, Dickens took to the stage and thanked Atlanta City Council, who he cited as currently in session, before highlighting the accomplishments of the program, which included:
– A first-of-its-kind, $20 million investment in our city’s early childhood education development system.
– $1 million in safe spaces for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta.
– 5,418 youth registered for the Summer Youth Employment program with an average hourly wage of $17.27.
Speaking about the inception of the program, Dickens gave appreciation to two of his transition team members, Lisa Cunningham and Jennifer Keenan, who were presented with their plaques for the work that contributed to the program, “Our commitment to our young people has in no way ended,” Dickens said before exiting the stage.
There were several guest speakers during the presentation, one of whom included John Hope Bryant, Operation HOPE founder, and entrepreneur. Galvanizing…
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