The Urban Youth Against Violence (UYAV) is a phenomenal group of young people that started its stance against violence in 1995. The UYAV members' initial focus was the school-based health centers, where they developed their slogan: "Black On Black Violence Will Lead to a World Without Color." From its start in 1995 these young leaders have been destined for greatness in their efforts to change society's outlook on young adults. Their ideas and energy have fueled the creation of a well-recognized poster and brochure.

The Urban Youth believe in relaying their message through heartfelt accounts of their personal lives. Through performing skits, speaking at youth gatherings, sitting on youth violence panels, and producing poetry readings, the Urban Youth are fulfilling their promise to do their part in changing society's perception of this generation known as "X".

Group member Levar Humble explains that his life has been nothing short of an unpleasant place on earth at an early age. He experienced homelessness first hand. As he turned more towards the streets, he began to sell drugs as a means to survive the harsh conditions of the neighborhoods and to meet his basic food needs. Eventually seeking God, he graduated from high school and is now maintaining an honest job.

Group member Gennesaret Mark has lost three of her brothers -- two older brothers to violence, and one younger brother to natural causes. With the backing of her mother, she aspires to attend college to be a role model for her younger siblings who look up to her. These are only a couple of true accounts of the Urban Youth Against Violence; many other youth around the country experience similar situations.

This motivated group does not end its efforts in the city of New Orleans. UYAV members have gone to national conferences in Des Moines, Iowa, to the state capital to speak on the Brady Bill, and most recently to Atlanta, Georgia for the first event of the ten-year project known as the Million Youth Movement. UYAV has been featured in national magazines and newspapers as well as local media such as PBS, CBS, and ABC and has received awards for its efforts in the field of violence prevention.

The Urban Youth Against Violence looks forward to the up coming months. Members will be working with Dr. Linda Stelly and local cable access in doing a conflict resolution, mentor, and counseling program. They also plan to recommit a part of their energy in developing a Junior Urban Youth organization and will volunteer monthly with community organizations. Changing components of the New Orleans school system is also part of UYAV's vision for the '98-'99 school year. UYAV hopes to bring a youth voice to policy discussions about school issues.

The Urban Youth Against Violence is making it happen, and you can make it happen too. Group members are working to create a society that respects, empowers, and appreciates youth and does not label them as "X" for a generation that is lost.

The members of the Urban Youth Against Violence are Hillary Lofton, founding member and Dillard University student; Omar Scott, founding member and Crescent City Peace Alliance employee; Levar Humble, founding member and poet; Clarence Hill III, founding member and Southern University student; Shannon Crosby, member and Dillard student; Trinika Lawrson, member and Delgado student; Patrice Magee, member and McDonogh 35 student; Keisha McGee, member and McDonogh #35 student; Gennesaret Mark, member and Fortier student; Kenyatta Williams, member and McDonogh #35 student; Kaine Robertson, member and Rabouin student; Jocelyn Williams, member and McDonogh #35 student; and Boris Ellis, member and security officer.

If any young person (between 14 and 24 years old) is interested in becoming a youth leader and making a commitment to changing their lives for the better, please contact Our Voice staff or Omar Scott at the Crescent City Peace Alliance at 943-7233.