(Kansas City, MO)—“A year ago we held our first Youth Summit on the heels of a drive by shooting that killed two UMKC students and remains unsolved. Tonight I’ll gather with metro youth again as violence erupts in the city streets. On Tuesday, a rolling gun battle raced down Prospect, leading to one fatally wounded suspect and two injured police officers. One of those brave officers suffered critical injuries and is struggling to stay alive,” said Congressman Cleaver.

“Along with prayers for the injured, tonight we’ll offer resources to empower our youth. Drugs and violence cannot continue to be the norm in our neighborhoods. It will be up to the young leaders joining us tonight to make change a reality,” said Cleaver.

The Youth Summit is organized as the final project for Congressman Cleaver’s summer interns. “Last year’s event was inspiring and impassioned. I am very proud of the work my interns have put into this event. I’ll be there to listen. Too many times, those of us in my generation talk too much and forget to listen. The standing room only crowd that gathered last year showed me that there is the recognition and desire to take back our neighborhoods and not live in fear,” said Congressman Cleaver, “In my day we marched with dogs snapping at our legs. That was my generation’s struggle. This generation’s struggle is far different and in many ways far more difficult.”

Congressman Cleaver will host the Second Annual Youth Summit tonight, August 9th, from 7-10 p.m. at the Beaumont Club, 4050 Pennsylvania, in Westport.

The Summit will feature speakers on a range of topics affecting young adults 18-25. Tony G, with local radio station Hot 103 Jamz, will moderate the event, which will also feature a poetry slam.

 Who: Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) with:

Katie Bartko, MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) - MOCSA exists to lessen the ill effects of sexual assault and abuse through prevention, education and treatment. Katie works as an educator to students, teaching about sexual assault, dating violence, and healthy relationships.
 

Beth Savitzky, Kansas City Anti-Violence Project
 

Andrea Pantoja, Harmony - Harmony is a resource for the Kansas City metropolitan community to improve race relations, and increase appreciation for cultural diversity. Andrea is the Ally Town Director and Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Day Coordinator for Harmony.
 

Ossco Bolton, Peers Organized to Support Student Excellences (POSSE) - Ossco Bolton is the founder and organizer for P.O.S.S.E. and he is also a former gang leader.  PO.S.S.E is committed to eradicating the violence that often impacts inner city Kansas City children and their school environments by supporting activities that promote appropriate character traits. Today, there are over five hundred members of P.O.S.S.E., Mr. Bolton is proud to point out that there are more members of this organization than in any Kansas City gang. 

What:   Youth Summit

When:  7:00-10:00 p.m.

Where: The Beaumont Club, 4050 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64111

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee.