JENNINGS, Mo. — In the wake of a series of violent incidents involving teenagers in our area, residents are taking a stand against youth violence.
The recent spate of incidents, including a fight near a Hazelwood school that left a 16-year-old girl hospitalized, and the tragic stabbing death of a 14-year-old boy in Jennings, has sparked widespread concern among parents and community members in the St. Louis region.
A group of concerned individuals, including young people, parents and community leaders, gathered to voice their commitment to ending the cycle of violence on Saturday. Among them was Mariah Mosley, a sophomore at Jennings Senior High, who compared the experience to walking in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr.
"As we were walking, I felt like Martin Luther King. Not going to lie," Mosley said, highlighting the sense of unity and purpose driving their efforts.
Mosley emphasized the need for better emotional support and outlets for teenagers, acknowledging the challenges many young people face in regulating their emotions during a tumultuous period of adolescence.
"We're teens, so puberty is going up and down. I'm mad. I'm sad. I think youth need a better outlet for how to get these emotions out," Mosley said.
She said there's a focus on students who are "not as gifted" as others who face other challenges.
Recognizing the importance of listening to young voices, the City of Jennings Youth Commission has actively engaged with teenagers like Mosley.
The march, followed by a panel discussion at City Hall, was aimed at fostering dialogue between youth and community leaders as well as identifying programs to address the underlying issues contributing to youth violence.
Kimberly Hargrove, chairperson of the Jennings Youth Commission, emphasized the community's commitment to supporting its youth "just to show the community that we are here and we do love our children, and we just want to express that to them."
David Vincent, a member of the Youth Commission, stressed the importance of coming together as a community to find constructive solutions.
"Violence and anger do not have to take precedence over us coming together, talking things out, being patient with one another, being tolerant with one another," Vincent said. "We have to show our young people a better way."
The sentiment for change is palpable among residents, with many recognizing the need for widespread community involvement.
"Everybody might not want to speak up, but we do need that outreach," Mosley said.
People looking for ways to get involved can contact the Jennings Youth Commission. They have programming year-round but ask for parents to step in and encourage their children.
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