NAACP Youth Council strives to bridge the gap with law enforcement with a 2K run, walk this weekend

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled due to weather and will be rescheduled at a later date.

WARNER ROBINS – The Houston County NAACP Youth Council will be hosting a “Unity in Community” 2K run and walk on Saturday, June 7, at The Walk at Sandy Run.

The event aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the youth in the community. Youth Council President Ava Bones said the event aims to bring the community together, especially in light of concerns about the police. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the youth council, but their primary goal is to foster closer relationships with police officers.

“[We want] to make sure everyone can understand we shouldn’t be afraid of them and they’re here to help us,” Bones said.

NAACP Youth Advisor Rutha Jackson said police officers are there for their safety and not to harm people. She believes people should view them in a positive light, and officers should also look at the community in a positive light, especially youth. 

“The more communication [and] the more collaboration that we have it would definitely tone down our communities and our negativity towards police officers as well as their actions towards us that negativity as well. See us in a different light,” she said.

Jackson wants people to know they are striving to do something positive in their community and bridging the gap. 

The NAACP Youth Council operates similarly to the adult branch, focusing on issues affecting young people. Jackson said they want them to address these issues and serve the community; one way they do this is by gathering toys and clothing and distributing them to those in need. 

Jackson also shared they confront issues in local high schools. This includes encouraging young adults to register to vote.

Jackson hopes people will attend and help raise money for the youth council, as well as socialize. She believes fellowship and camaraderie are always great and hopes the event will be a good networking opportunity. She said Superintendent of the Houston County School District, Richard Rogers, and Chairman of the Houston County Board of Commissioners, Dan Perdue, will be there to support.

The “Unity in Community” 2K run and walk will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Walk at Sandy Run, 1119 South Houston Lake Road. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring water to the event and sign up here.