Provided by the African American Museum of Bucks County:
Students and adults from Bucks County who spoke about race in Washington D.C. last year.
Credit: Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s Office
In the midst of a marked increase in hate incidents nationwide and here, teenagers are invited by the African American Museum of Bucks County (AAMBC) to “Teen Talk – What’s Next?”
The program will take place at First Baptist Church of Langhorne at 215 East Richardson Avenue in Langhorne Borough on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Linda Salley, AAMBC board president, said, “The reason why the teens should attend this event is because it is giving them the platform to continuously be heard by their local leaders about the intolerance they face in their community daily.”
The discussion will include diversity in the schools, and changes that the AAMBC and students want to see made. “Open mike comments will express students’ concerns or fears, and how we can be supported during this time,” she said.
Nearly 25 students recently gave personal testimony in Washington D.C. about hate incidents, racism and intolerance in their Bucks County school. They addressed Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-8). The students also testified on the floor of the House of Representatives, thus putting their stories in the Congressional Record.
Students who could not go on the Washington D.C. trip will be able to talk during the upcoming program.
“The goal of this event,” Salley said, “is to speak to the local leaders in the community and come up with an agenda on how they are going to address the discriminatory behaviors happening in the schools and in places where youths should feel safe, but don’t,” she said.
Salley said an action plan will be developed to help combat the racial tension and discrimination that are happening in our communities today.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, hate crimes across the nation have increased 35 percent since November, with much of it landing in our schools (K-12).
Barbara Simmons, executive director of The Peace Center, was invited by AAMBC to help to facilitate the program.
There will be a free will offering and refreshments will be served.
For more information, call 215-752-1909 or send an email to aambcmuseum@gmail.com.
The AAMBC board of directors welcomes donations to ultimately find a site for a museum. Send checks to AAMBC, 215 East Richardson Ave., Langhorne, Pa. 19047.
