Phalanx Family Services announced its upcoming 2-day Far South Spring Break Jam Youth Explosion II. There will be performances, food, giveaways, raffles, prizes, interactive activities, COVID resources, free lunch, and more. The event is on April 11 and 12, 2022.
While the activities are free on both days, due to limited space guests must be pre-registered for Monday. Tuesday’s event is open to everyone without pre-registering.
The first day of the Chicago Spring Break Jam Youth Explosion II will feature 360 Community Justice. Participants can explore the restorative justice platform. In addition, there will be a play presenting the perspective of different community members.
Youth will gain a new outlook and be empowered. The next performance will be on the spoken word. This will be based on youth and the justice system. How are juveniles treated in court? What types of trauma do they experience? The community will give the young people their thoughts from another perspective.
Ricky Hamilton, leader of 360 Community Justice, wants the community to see that “understanding reentry is public safety.”
On the second day, there will be VR gaming and a 360° camera to enjoy. In addition, the event will have a sizeable COVID resource fair. People can be vaccinated and receive extensive information regarding the illness and the vaccine.
There will be young people showing youth how to register to vote and other resources available inside the Track & Field building. Additionally, young people will have an opportunity to sign up for One Summer Chicago.
The location for Monday is Corliss High School at 831 E. 103rd Street; enter using the south parking lot entrance. There is a different location for Tuesday; Gately Park’s Track & Field Center on 10201 S. Cottage Grove Avenue.
First Youth Explosion
The first Youth Explosion event was in October. Students had some time off from school, and Joyce Chapman explored options to present to the youth. Chapman, chairwoman of the Far South Community Action Council, came up with the idea and, with Phalanx Family Services, made the event happen.
In October, the youth event featured a mock trial. The event was well-received even though Chicago was in the thick of the pandemic. It was a small event, only 40 to 50 people at a time. The conversation focused on violence and when to say no. Youth were able to reach out for help if they were in a situation. Many young people took advantage of the opportunity.
Last year, youth could draw a picture of what the community looked like to them. A presenter used art to show the audience her perspective of them. She encouraged others to do the same. This gave young people the floor to share their voices. They had an open and safe space to communicate.
Written by Jeanette Vietti
Interview: Ricky Hamilton March 29, 2022
Images Courtesy of Frackle Media
Editor’s Note: To register or for more information call 773-291-1086.
