Activists from numerous youth-based groups gathered at Fordham Plaza, addressing issues impacting Bronx’s youth, while also calling on funding to help further their causes.

These activists were joined by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams who showed his support towards these groups and their need to receive funding.

“We have to guide them and show them the right way, and the only way is with funding,” said Williams, flanked by groups whose purpose is to draw youth away from gangs and violence.

Shanequa Charles, president of Miss Abbie’s Kids in Fordham and the organizer of the rally on April 10 said many of the groups took part in the rally as a show of
“power in people” when it comes to grabbing the city’s attention. Charles was a major supporter of Williams when he ran for Public Advocate earlier this year.

Many activists explained that funds are needed to raise awareness on issues such as human trafficking, the need for school supplies for low-income students, and teaching Bronx youth  trades that will allow them to succeed and not get swallowed up by gang culture. An analysis by the Norwood News using data published by the NYPD in June 2018 shows 430 young people under the age of 18 were known to be affiliated with a gang.

Darney K. Born Rivers, president and founder of “I Am My Community,” as well as one of the speakers at the rally, explained that the youth are drawn to gangs as a way of making fast, easy money.

“You’ve got these gangbangers trying to recruit these children; they’ve got money. You’ve got the drug dealers trying to recruit these children; they’ve got money. What are we doing? We’re standing out there trying to recruit them and telling them to drop the gun, but we have absolutely nothing,” explained Rivers, whose group works with young people in and around Fordham and Kingsbridge.

Liz Harrison, from Pen or Pencil agreed with the idea that the youth are inclined to join gangs, and to fail out of school because of the need for money. This results in kids “catching an F,” which stands for a “felony” since  they believe that this is the best way to move forward with their education.

However, joining gangs is not the only issue kids face. Other kids tend to prioritize sports over their education and entrepreneurship. Activist William Heishower, from “The Peacemakers”  addressed this subject, and emphasized the idea of preparing Bronx youth for the future by “putting more entrepreneurship” in them.

Williams added that oftentimes non-profits do a better job at solving a situation, which is why he believes that if the government were to fund local groups, the youth would be in a better place.

With budget season under way, Williams is hoping to catch the ear of councilmembers who can allocate funding to these groups.