In celebration of Youth Justice Action Month, the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR) and The Center for Youth Equity (CYE) are coming together to host a powerful event aimed at raising awareness about the challenges facing youth in New Orleans. On October 24, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m., the organizations will present a screening of This Is New Orleans, a documentary created by local youth that delves into the root causes of violence and its profound impact on their lives, families, and communities.
The screening, which is open to the public, will take place as part of a larger campaign dedicated to youth justice. This documentary is more than just a film—it is a call to action. Created by young people involved in CYE’s Enrichment 2 Empowerment (E2E) program, This Is New Orleans serves as a platform for their voices, sharing personal stories and urging city leaders to invest in youth programs and resources that can help prevent violence and support rehabilitation.
Youth Justice Action Month is a national initiative aimed at inspiring action and fostering dialogue around rehabilitation for system-impacted youth. For organizations like LCCR and CYE, this event underscores the importance of investing in the future of young people, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Renard Bridgewater, spokesperson for LCCR, highlighted the significance of the screening: “This film is a reflection of the realities faced by youth in New Orleans. It is also a testament to their resilience and a reminder that by listening to and supporting our youth, we can create lasting, positive change in our communities.”
The Organizations Leading the Charge
The Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights (LCCR) has long been at the forefront of providing legal support to young people entangled in the justice system. Their holistic approach—offering a lawyer, social worker, investigator, and youth advocate—ensures that children’s needs are addressed both inside and outside the courtroom. LCCR is committed to tackling the systemic issues that disproportionately affect poor, Black youth, working towards a future where every child can thrive in their community without the burden of criminalization.
Since its founding, LCCR has championed the rights of children, believing that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy and supported. Their mission is rooted in keeping kids out of harmful systems and helping them build brighter futures at home and at school.
Meanwhile, The Center for Youth Equity (CYE), through its Enrichment 2 Empowerment (E2E) program, has made it its mission to empower New Orleans youth. Since 2023, the program has gathered young people aged 14 to 19 to engage in critical discussions and activities centered on understanding and addressing the root causes of violence in their neighborhoods. The documentary, a product of these discussions, captures the raw emotions, hopes, and insights of these young people, showcasing both the challenges they face and their aspirations for a safer, more equitable future.
By bringing these organizations and young voices to the forefront, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for change when communities invest in their youth. The collaboration between LCCR and CYE highlights the importance of rehabilitation, prevention, and empowerment in addressing youth violence and justice.
Refreshments will be provided at the event, and attendees are encouraged to participate in the conversation that follows the screening.
This event promises to be an inspiring evening dedicated to youth advocacy, justice, and the transformative power of storytelling.
