Congresswoman Kelly Leads DHS Student Roundtable on Gun Violence; Support Needed from Each Other

 (ABOVE) Congresswoman Robin Kelly leads a roundtable discussion with Danville High School students focused on gun violence.  The discussion was hosted by DHS Future Problem Solvers.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly participated in a roundtable discussion with Danville High School students on Thursday morning (September 7th) focused on gun violence.  But this discussion; hosted by Danville High School’s Future Problem Solvers; also drifted into the areas of reaching out to lonely students, bullying, dealing with family and peer issues, and what strategies can be taken to support each other.

Congresswoman Kelly says that, no doubt, these students know a lot, had a lot to share, and did so very well.

AUDIO: They’re a wealth of knowledge.  We teach them, but they taught us today also; what their needs are, what their experiences are.  The way they were able to share; that is very helpful to someone like me.

(Middle Picture) DHS student Curtis Beasley IV makes a point during student roundtable discussion.

One of the more outspoken Danville High School students in attendance was Curtis Beasley IV.

AUDIO: As far as I’m concerned, the thing that matters most to me and to other people is having someone to rely on in the moments we need them most.  And it’s important to care about each other, because that’s what it means to express love, and express true happiness to each other.  And just as a group of people operate in a way that things can be done successfully.

One of the adult guests at the discussion was Dia Harper from the Survivor Resource Center.  She says students have changed a bit since her graduation from DHS in 2017.

(1st Picture) Dia Harper from Survivor Resource Center makes a point.  (3rd Picture) Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr poses with Congresswoman Kelly and DHS students.

AUDIO: I think this generation is very much so heavy on; where we know what the problem is, we’re going to figure it out, we’re going to do something about it.  Yes, it is the same issues.  But we’re making changes.  We’re making steps to make it better.

DHS Future Problem Solvers leader Isaiah Easton stated he was very happy with how much the students opened up and shared.

AUDIO: I was surprised with how well it went.  I wasn’t sure if people were going to be comfortable talking.  But, right off the bat, everyone was so comfortable just sharing their stories.  And it was great.

Congresswoman Kelly concluded by saying that sometimes all students need is a chance to have a student or teacher reach out to them; or perhaps find something they are passionate about; and it can make all the difference.

AUDIO: Like I said, nothing stops a bullet like an opportunity.  And that might be a mentor, a friend, a teacher; learning a new skill, a hobby.  And I think that’s what these young people are calling for.

There was also talk of creating a new special support group for students, as well as the chance of similar discussions in the future.