Knoxville Mayor's Youth Council Forms With 17 Members

Knoxville TN

05 May, 2021

7:40 PM

Description

From the City of Knoxville: May 5, 2021 The City of Knoxville's inaugural Mayor's Youth Council consists of 17 young people who share a desire to be more involved with local government and decision making. "Young people are our future, and their perspective is invaluable to the City," says Mayor Indya Kincannon. "I look forward to finding ways we can implement the ideas the Youth Council brings to the table." "We are so excited to work with such a diverse group of young changemakers," says Kathy Mack, Community Engagement Manager in the City's Department of Community Empowerment. Mack heads the Empower Knox initiative, which works to build successful life outcomes for Knoxville's youth and will coordinate and support the Mayor's Youth Council. Earlier this year, Empower Knox invited youth ages 12 to 20 years old to attend one of two virtual forums to discuss their thoughts on City government, its role in their lives and the community at large. Attendees identified strategies for both improving communication with the City and Knoxville's long term growth. Many participants also identified violence, inequities, transportation and activities for young people as their top concerns. The council will meet routinely, starting this summer. Primary activities will include education on municipal services, collaborations with peers and youth-serving nonprofit organizations, and strategic planning. "Education and team-building will be instrumental in sustaining a solid group," Mack says. "They are from different backgrounds and experiences. It's important for them to build a strong foundation, so they can start moving forward together. Our government is built on collective change, work that our young people are excited to be a part of." Members of the City's first Youth Council are listed by school and grade: Austin East High School Aaliyah Rice, 12th grade Kyniya Hutchison, 11th grade Maleek Bishop, 11th grade Yasmine Croom, 10th grade Tylan Baker, 9th grade Bearden Middle School Darian Macon, 8th grade Farragut High School Nolan Du, 12th grade Sam Kittrell, 11th grade Farragut Middle School Camilla Mata, 8th grade Holston Middle School Deion Moten, 8th grade Richard Yoakley High School Aniya McIlwaine, 11th grade Destiny Laurence, 10th grade Vine Middle School Shermija Whitehead, 8th grade Webb School of Knoxville Molly Crawford, 10th grade West High School Coogie Person, 10th grade Owen Davis, 9th grade Henry Foster-Tobin, 9th grade Visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/EmpowerKnox for more information about the Youth Council. View All News This press release was produced by the City of Knoxville. The views expressed are the author's own.