Senator Rachel May Hosts First Annual State of the Youth Rally

Syracuse, NY - Friday, Senator May (D-Onondaga, Madison, Oneida) hosted the first annual State of the Youth rally in Syracuse with Community Partnership V.O.I.C.E. (Violence Overcome by Involving Community Effort) at the Gordon Student Center at Onondaga Community College. 

The rally was designed to bring young adults together to discuss challenges they face, provide resources to them and their families, and create a space for dialog with respected members in the community. Along with Senator May, the panel included Reverend Colette Matthews-Carter, Clifford Ryan, Deka Dancil, Will Rogers, Tenekqua Cauthen, Lepa Jones, Jimmy Oliver, Sgt. Matthew Malinowski, and SPD Officer Joseph Commisso. 

The students represented all high schools in the Syracuse City School District, along with two elementary/middle schools. The students asked insightful questions about gun legislation, who to ask for help for themselves or their parents, how to help friends who may be facing challenges in school or in their personal life, and what challenges the panelists overcame to achieve their goals in life. 

“I am thrilled at the number of students we had attend this rally and thankful to all the panelists, parents, teachers, and schools for letting their students come,” said Senator May. “It was a great opportunity to hear from our young people about the challenges they are facing and to be able to discuss ways to make our communities safer for all of us. I look forward to continuing the conversation, holding more rallies like this, and extending the attendance to students across my district.”

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