Columbus, Ohio (W.C.M.H.) — A Linden-area church hosted a conference aimed at inspiring Columbus boys to stay on the right path. keep away from violence.
It's called the Boys to Men Youth Conference, and it's in its third year.
The conference brought together boys aged 10 to 17 from across the city to hear from leaders, organizations and police about how violence can impact their lives and those of those around them. Masu.
The Boys to Men Youth Conference says its goal is to develop young people into the best they can be.
“Instead of being the casket carrier at your friend's funeral, you want to be the best man or groomsman at your friend's wedding,” said Pastor Timothy Riggins of Bethel AME Church. “It's to keep young boys away from violence.”
“To come together to see what we've been through, what we've overcome, and the male leaders who are now coming back into us, it's a great opportunity for them to see what they can become. It's a powerful thing to do,” Riggins said.
Mothers of Columbus's murdered children also participated as speakers.
“I'm here fighting so other mothers don't have to go through what we go through every day,” said MOMCC Westside Leader Brenda Johnson.
She hopes that by sharing her story of losing her son, people will move away from violence as a solution to their problems.
“It's not cool to follow a bad group and do the wrong thing. It could be their mother, or if they did something bad, it could be someone else's mother. '' said Johnson.
The goal is for them to leave the conference knowing they have strong mentors and role models to support them. They want people to know that there is a positive force in the community to help them stay on the right path.
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/boys-learn-how-violence-can-impact-their-lives/ Boys learn how violence affects their lives
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