A family forum focused on alcohol and drug prevention was a huge success last week with guests Andy Taggart and James Kitchens.
Communities Talk was sponsored by the Gateway MAP Coalition with close to 80 people in attendance.
“Communities Talk was a huge success,” said Gloria Elayne Owens, with the Gateway MAP Coalition. “Some 75 youth and adults attended the multi-faceted event, aimed at preventing and reducing underage drinking and drug abuse among the youth and families within the community.”
Guest speakers included the Honorable James Kitchens and attorney Andy Taggart, who shared personal stories regarding the impact that drugs and alcohol have on a family.
“Both presenters thanked the community for giving them the opportunity to help save other parents from the agony they experienced when they first learned of their own children’s struggles with alcohol and drug abuse and addiction,” Owens said. “At some points during the course of the program, the entire audience appeared to one big family at a revival service at a little country church full of kinfolks.”
Each member of the Youth Coalition, represented by each local high school, also displayed a wide range of talent and skills with their own presentations.
Henal Sharma, a junior at Manchester Academy, opened the program and welcomed the attendees giving brief expressions of her appreciation for the opportunity to serve as a local and statewide role model for other youth.
Owens said the audience was motivated by Youth Coalition cheerleaders Ayanna Hill of Yazoo County High School, Mary Russell Perry of Manchester Academy, Olivia Hutton of Benton Academy and Eboni Phillips of Yazoo City High School.
“Decked out in their respective school cheerleaders’ attire, the ladies demonstrated their leadership skills and creative talents,” Owens said.
Gabriella Campbell of Yazoo City High School and Blake Humphreys of Manchester Academy asked for God’s blessings and to provide entertainment.
“Blake Humphreys delivered a powerful prayer and invocation before the duo gave an awesome rendition of the musical masterpiece Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture,” Owens added.
Other Youth Coalition members who assisted with the program included Adrian Hill Jr. of Yazoo City High School, Scarlett Ward of Benton Academy , Mallory Greer of Yazoo County High School and Anna Clayton Nagle and Cassidy Scott, both of Benton Academy.
“Adult Coalition members led by Yazoo County Director Millicent Ledbetter also gave an overview and summary of the programs, projects and activities sponsored by Gateway MAP Coalition for the past 16 years,” Owens said. “She shared some alarming facts and statistics about the dangers involved in consumption of alcohol and drugs by children as early as 11 years old.”
Owens said she was very pleased with the forum, and she hopes to continue hosting similar programs within the community.
“The forum was a winner in every way,” she said.
