King's words echo at event

GARY -- Several hundred school-age children filled the second floor meeting rooms Saturday at the Genesis Convention Center for a series of seminars at the second annual Martin Luther King Youth Summit.

Sponsored by Gary Youth Services, the theme of the event was based upon a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

During the day, participants were encourage to write an essay based upon the theme.

Two sessions made up the morning program.

Artisia Green and Chelsea Stalling provided a unique and engaging creative experience, based upon the concept of using the arts to channel emotions and inspirational sharing.

Across the hall, Soka Gakkai International-USA members offered a hands-on workshop dealing with peaceful means of resolving violence in the community.

SGI-USA is a Buddhist organization that has been in Gary for more than 40 years and takes a nondenominational and nonviolent approach to resolving conflict.

After lunch, Cheryl Hall-Russell, chief executive officer of the Indiana Youth Services Association, gave the keynote speech.

The highlight of the event was a performance by the rap group ParaNormal, which performed several original songs in the main event hall.

Also speaking at the event were Jihad T. Muhammad, Venus Cobb, Judy Butler and Cheryl Hall-Russell.