May 13: Cleveland City Council
Covered by Documenters Joy Beamon (notes) and Ayanna Rose Banks (live-tweets)
Some kids ‘scared to go outside’
During last week’s Cleveland City Council meeting, several kids shared concerns about the impact of gun violence in their neighborhoods.
“Gun violence is a problem with our community,” said Marley McMichael, a young girl who teared up as she spoke. “Some kids are even scared to go outside … because of what’s happening out there.”
McMichael was one of four young people who spoke on behalf of New Era Cleveland. New Era Cleveland is part of a national effort with chapters across the country. Programming includes youth mentorship, financial literacy and, through its Street Is Watching program, armed safety patrols in high-crime areas.
One commenter implored officials to get to know younger community members before passing judgment.
“Speak to us, the youth, before you label us as criminals, thieves, thugs … Understand us, ‘cause you will never know how to love and care for us if you don’t understand us,” said Rameer Askew, a senior at Ginn Academy.
Watch the full public comments or read transcripts edited by Documenter Gennifer Harding-Gosnell on the Public Comment CLE website created by Ohio City resident Angelo Trivisonno.
PEARLS Cleveland empowers young girls
Council also recognized Brittney Smith, the founder of PEARLS, for creating safe spaces and building up the confidence of young girls in Cleveland. Over the last month, the program has been working with young Black girls in Cleveland to tell stories about their lived experience.
I go to school every day. I wake up and I don’t feel safe in my neighborhood.
LaShauna Carter, high school junior and PEARLS program participant
“I go to school every day. I wake up and I don’t feel safe in my neighborhood,” said LaShauna Carter, a junior at Glenville High School who participates in PEARLS.
Both Carter and Glenville freshman Brea Bandy cried as they talked about recent gun violence near school.
“How do we expect young people to show up at 100% when they don’t feel safe in their communities?” asked Smith, who is also a social worker by trade. “We challenge you all to stay connected to them because they really do need the support,” she said.
More money for senior lawn care
City council also passed legislation allowing the Department of Aging to use casino revenue funds to support the senior grass cutting program. The senior lawn care service is one of many offered through the department’s Chore Services Program.
Read more from Documenter Joy Beamon:
Read the live-tweet thread from Documenter Ayanna Rose Banks:
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The city is backing a pilot program to build two houses using 3D printing technology. It is separately funding an employment program that will pay $50,000 a year.