therese-homer-web.jpgMIAMI – Seeking peaceful solutions to youth violence that has claimed the lives of teenagers and children in South Florida, the Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is hosting a Peace Summit during the Martin Luther King Holiday weekend.

 

The Summit launches the chapter’s 40 Days of Peace Campaign. It brings together clergy, church members, law enforcement officers, youth group leaders and members, and two Broward County AKA chapters for a discussion and interactive activities to get at the root of the violence.

The event takes place 4 – 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, at Universal Truth Center for Better Living, 21310 N.W. 37th Ave. in Miami Gardens. The public is invited to this free event. Refreshments will be served.

The church and its Multicultural Ministry are collaborating with the sorority in this effort. Panelists for the workshop include Anna Price, retired University of Miami dean and executive minister at UTC; and Therese Homer, chief of police at Miami-Dade College. They and others will offer strategies for youth to channel their energies more positively, and provide antidotes to violent behavior.

Later, the sorority will plant trees in honor of Miami-Dade Public School students killed in violence over the last year. As part of the 40 Day of Peace Project, the summit is designed to engage the community in discussion of crime and crime prevention in their local areas.  In keeping with King’s vision of a beloved community, participants will be reminded of his life, legacy, and commitment to service through formal presentations and video clips.

Also during the holiday weekend in keeping with King’s call for service, sorority members will create care packages to assist military families who have at least one member who has returned to the United States after being deployed. 

For more information visit akagzo.org