The Cleveland Job Corps Center joined 126 Job Corps Centers around the nation in celebrating Youth 2 Youth: Partners 4 Peace during Sept. 18 22, 2017. Youth 2 Youth: Partners 4 Peace is an anti-violence initiative founded in the spring of 2015, by Job Corps students nationwide. It is the first national, student-created, and student-led effort to curb youth violence on Job Corps centers, and in the community.

Youth 2 Youth: Partners 4 Peace Week at Cleveland Job Corpsopened on Monday with guest speaker, Nikko Jones, CEO of Council Money Entertainment and Co-Founder of Team Impact. Jones communicated the importance of making good decisions and reminded students how the decisions they make today, have a positive or negative impact on their lives tomorrow.

On Tuesday, the Center held their annual Staff versus Student Basketball game. The gymnasium was filled with energy and excitement from the crowd and resonated in cheers each time a point was scored from either side. “This is more than a game,” said Cleveland Job Corps Center Director, William Houston. “It’s about connecting, and strengthening our Center family through community building activities.” Although the game is about having fun and building relationships, in the end, one must prevail. The students won the game 87 – 80.

A candlelight vigil was held on center Wednesday, at the pergola to remember family and friends who were taken from us too soon by violence. The vigil began with participants lighting candles, followed by William Houston encouraging students and staff to take a moment to reflect. Then Houston opened the floor for students and staff to share their stories, words of encouragement or voice their concerns. It takes great courage to share your message with others; thank you to everyone for your input and courage.

Coinciding with International Peace Day, Cleveland Job Corps hosted a peace march on Thursday. The event began with a rally that included a powerful speech from Community Activist Damian Calvert, and the formation of a human peace sign. The peace march was led by the Shaw High School Marching Band who gave an awesome performance as Cleveland Job Corps students, staff, and community guests chanted, “We Want Peace” and “Save Our Youth.” The Cleveland Police Department’s 5th District escorted members of the Peace March for three and a half miles down Saint Clair Avenue, and back to the Center where everyone enjoyed a barbecue meal.

The weeklong anti-violence initiative concluded on Friday with a balloon release to honor and bring awareness to those who have lost their lives to violence. “It was a symbol of how precious life is and how we have to strive daily to be better than we were the day before,” expressed Cleveland Job Corps Safety Officer, Melonie Harrell.

Thanks to everyone for promoting solidarity, hope, love, and peace. The students and staff of the Cleveland Job Corps Center express their gratitude to all the community partners who came out and helped to make this event a huge success! Begin each day with a reflection on how you can be a beacon of light and hope to yourself, your family, and within your community.