U.S. Attorney’s Office Spearheads National Youth Violence Prevention Week Events in Boston

BOSTON – For the second consecutive year, city, state, and federal officials in Boston will present events for young people in recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week, March 23-27, 2015.

A citywide Peace Rally at the Reggie Lewis Center at Roxbury Community College on March 26^th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, hosted by radio personalities, DJ Pup Dawg, DJ Maverik, and DJ EDubble from JAM’N 94.5, will be the highlight of the week.  At the rally, the winners of the anti-violence themed contest for Boston students will be announced and the event will also feature the Vine Street Dancers, the Seekers of Knowledge dance group, and surprise audience-participation contests.  Officials from the Mayor’s Office, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and Boston Police Department will attend.  Over 250 people attended the 2014 Rally.

The Boston Interagency Committee on Violence Prevention announced creative anti-violence themed contests in schools and community centers several weeks ago.  Boston students in grades K-5 submitted posters with a theme of “Youth Standing Strong Against Violence;” grades 6-8 entered poetry with the same theme; and high school students were invited to create hip-hop music videos with an anti-violence message.

Prizes for the top entries include Red Sox tickets and a spotlight on JAM’N 94.5’s “Saturday Night Jump Off.”  Sponsoring schools or community centers will also receive Staples gift cards in recognition of their support.  Last year’s video contest winner appeared in a television interview with the Boston Police Department’s Chief Superintendent William Gross.

Another event taking place in Boston during National Youth Violence Prevention Week will be held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. K-8 School on March 24^th.  The school will be the site of a half-day program for students, encouraging positive decision-making and alternatives to violence.  For the first time, the U.S. Attorney’s “Your Future, Your Decision” program will be combined with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s “Overcoming Violence” program, both designed to provide role models, positive options, and constructive activities for out-of-school time.

The Boston Interagency Committee on Violence Prevention consists of representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Boston Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department.

Sponsors of the event include Roxbury Community College, Longwood Security, MassHousing, Crystal Rock Beverages, Boston Police Athletic/Activities League, and the Youth Violence Prevention Funders Learning Collaborative.

For further information, visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/programs and click on “Youth Standing Strong Against Violence,” or send an email to youthstandingstrong@yahoo.com.