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Youth Meeting To Focus On Making Wise Choices

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By GEORGE WILKENS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 18, 2008

PLANT CITY "Empowering Youth," a free summit covering a variety of timely topics and even providing lunch, will be held Sept. 27 at Bethel MB Church, 804 W. Renfro St.

The five-hour program geared for ages 10 to 18 will cover Internet safety; decision making; respect; and music and how it impacts youth.

Sessions, which will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will be taught by law enforcement and juvenile probation officers, school principals, other professionals and community leaders.

A special motivational presentation will feature local rappers and a professional recording artist.

There will be gifts for the first 100 youths and a free lunch will be provided to all who attend.

"It's stuff we think kids need to know, in life as well as in our schools," said Delores Richardson, one of five organizers of the event sponsored by Blessed Occasions Special Events.

"Usually we do a back-to-school program, but this year we're doing something little bit different," said Richardson, adding that the 2005 school program attracted more than 500 youngsters.

Angela Dixon, who runs Blessed Events, said the messages are intended to educate youngsters and improve their outlook. "Our children are dying because of their lack of knowledge," she said. "They don't understand how this music they're listening to is changing their lifestyle; their attitude will be part of their success in life," she said.

The event is open to all, and the presentations will be in English and Spanish.

"It's all about unity, bringing the community together," Dixon said. "In [Plant City] we need to become family. We all are one."

Evangelist Cathy Moore of Bartow, a recording artist, will lead the discussion about music.

Roosevelt Mitchell of Jackson, Miss., a recording artist who specializes in entertainment for youth, will entertain at the close of the event.

For information, call Richardson, (813) 478-0922, or Dixon, (813) 465-4065.

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