Kids learn violence prevention on MLK Day

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The day off from school didn't mean a day off from learning for many kids.

Old King's Orchard Community Center, Shemilah Outreach Center, Creative Public Safety, and the City of Decatur all teamed up to put together a violence prevention and de-escalation seminar for local youth.

"Don't approach every situation in a negative aspect," said Creative Scott, the instructor for Creative Public Safety. "Be aware of their surroundings. There's situational awareness in being aware of who you're hanging around and how you talk to other people."

Scott travels the country teaching kids about violence prevention.

Scott said, "It's not about being angry and using a weapon to defend yourself. Your first defense is your mind and creating space from any negative energy."

"Life is so short and we want these kids to know if you stay on the right path, great things can come your way," said Shemuel Sanders, Executive Director of Shemilah Outreach Center in Decatur. "You can be successful."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was the perfect day to bring kids from all over the city together.

"It's about freedom and we want these youth to know that if it weren't for Martin Luther King, we wouldn't be where we're at today," Sanders said.