By Jorja Roman
TROY, N.Y. -- Community and law enforcement leaders in Troy honored Martin Luther King Jr.'s life Monday through a special workshop promoting conversations of positive relationships between the police department, youth and all residents in the city of Troy.
“Everybody here has a voice,” said Troy PBA President Aaron Collington.
Each voice was heard loud and clear on Monday at the Troy Boys and Girls Club. The event was held to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
“He had a dream so that he could inspire others to have dreams for today,” said 13-year-old Alexis Scott.
Community leaders in Troy are showing youth how his message still holds true. “We know that his principles were nonviolence and justice and that’s what we stand for,” said Deacon Jerry Ford, a founder of The Block Center. It’s an effort to improve relationships between police officers and youth.
“The things that are going on throughout the country tend to make them fearful of coming to approach the police department, and we need to make sure that they know they can come and talk to a police officer if they’re in any trouble,” said Collington. Each word spoken is one step toward reaching the goal of improving the lives of people of all ages.
“Just not to get stagnant and be satisfied with where we are. To keep making sure things keep going forward,” said Collington. Leaders say this is one of many events they do throughout the year to inspire youth to get involved in the community.