A campaign challenging young people in our community to commit to at least 100 days of no violence, bullying or negative behavior is entering a fourth year in Birmingham. Launched in 2010 by Councilman Jay Roberson, 100 Days of Nonviolence this year has a stronger focus and new strategic partnerships.
The rallying cry “Keep It 100” is evolving with the addition of “We’re All In” to highlight the new partnerships with various youth service organizations including the A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club, YWCA, AmeriCorps, Hands on Birmingham, Girls Inc., The Boy Scouts of America, Big Brother Big Sister of Greater Birmingham, E.Y.E.S. (Enriching Youths Educational Success), The Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services, The Birmingham Police Department’s PAT (Police Athletic Teams) and Explorers and the United Way of Central Alabama.
“Each year we see students take the pledge and commit to nonviolence. Now we have to provide them with alternatives to negative activities. This year we are bringing in youth service organizations to offer solutions, programs and outreach to these young people,” said Councilor Jay Roberson.
The previous three years of the initiative have been very successful as crime statistics show no loss of life due to an act of violence by a young person under the age of 18 in Birmingham.
Last year, numerous students who took the pledge were recognized for their efforts with the first ever Coretta Scott King Angel Award. Those students in turn honored the legacy of the 100 Days of Nonviolence program by handing over the award to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to display for future generations to come.
Councilor Roberson, who conceived and launched the campaign, has involved numerous factions in the community through the years including the schools, area pastors, and the police department, is looking to get the parents more involve this year by providing them with information and access to organizations their children can get involved in as an alternative to negative activities that leads to the type of violent acts usually perpetrated by young people.
With the successful experience in Birmingham in curbing youth violence, other cities are now emulating the 100 Days of Nonviolence initiative. Atlanta, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina and Saginaw, Michigan have all launched complimentary programs recently with more cities looking to launch soon.
The 100th day of the campaign is MLK Day 2014 and activities including a day of service and a march will complete the annual initiative and the 100 day pledge taken by students.
