Brooklyn Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud, chair of the New York State Senate Social Services Committee, last Wednesday hosted a roundtable discussion with the community in Brooklyn on youth violence.
The Guyanese-born Persaud, who represents the 19th Senatorial District in Brooklyn, was joined by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Sens. Velmanette Montgomery and Jamaal T. Bailey, youth in Brooklyn, NYPD and education leaders for an open conversation. Dubbed “Examining the Prevalence of Youth Violence.”
The event was held at the Spring Creek Educational Campus auditorium, 1065 Elton St., in Brooklyn.
It featured a two-part discussion that allowed Persaud and her colleagues to hear directly from high school-aged youth about experiences with or perspectives on the pervasive culture of violence including, but not limited to, violence in the community; violence among peers, kin or in relationships; and violence in the media.
“Hearing from the youth in our district describe the myriad impacts violence has had on their lives reminds me that we still have much to achieve in making our neighborhoods safe for everyone,” Persaud said.
“I thank the young men and women who came to speak today at this roundtable,” she added. “Your experiences and courage will help us focus our efforts and create better outcomes for all in the community.”
