'Young men rarely get flowers': Youth-led event confronts community violence, inspires solutions

Nearly 100 people filled round tables at the Madam Walker Legacy Center on Saturday to take part in the ‘Power of TRU Generations’ conference – an event guided by 11 Black young men affected by violence in Indianapolis.

“They pulled this off,” said Brandon Randall, founder of the nonprofit behind the conference, TRU Colors Consulting. “They hosted this. They put all the details together and they were successful.”

During a time when youth violence has become a more concerning topic for Indianapolis residents, the conference gave young people a platform to share their experiences and offer solutions.

But the event was nearly canceled.

TRU Colors faced financial setbacks when it learned its grant funding had been mismanaged. The organization also had to find a new venue after its previous venue, the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center, announced it was temporarily shutting down.

Randall said the organization received the remaining $43,000 of its grant just a week before the event. The nonprofit was able to work with partners to secure the new location to make sure the young men had a place to lead the conference.

Nineteen-year-old James Curry was accidentally shot by his brother last year, spending eight months in the hospital and rehab. He said sharing his story was a way to inspire others to work toward change.

“I feel like we're better as one,” Curry said.  “If we can all come together, we can change what's going on in our cities – change the world, change everybody.”

The event featured two panel discussions where youth and community leaders — including Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey — addressed issues from gun violence to mental health.

Several young men voiced concerns that adults and city leaders don’t take them seriously. Some of their proposed solutions include more activities for kids and more opportunities to engage with decision-makers.

Sean Rivera, 18, one of the moderators for the community panel, has been involved with TRU Colors for nearly four years.

“If we're able to meet where the youth are, take them out of their environment and show them what they could possibly do, I feel like that could make a huge change to this community.”

The event ended with a completion ceremony honoring the young men who hosted the conference. One by one, the 11 participants were called up to receive certificates and bouquets of orange flowers — a color Randall said represents violence prevention and awareness.

“I believe people should get their flowers while they are still with us,” he said. “Young men rarely get flowers.”

Randall is excited to see what they do as young leaders.

“I couldn’t be more proud of each and everyone of them,” he said.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org.