In unity there is strength and in strength there is change, Sunday evening community members and religious leaders came together at Antioch Baptist Church to continue a positive narrative.
From running the streets to running the church, Reverend Courtney Carson has made it his mission to change the Decatur community for the better.Â
"I was a misguided youth in my past I ran the streets and so I am extremely adamant about cleaning the streets up," Said Reverend Courtney Carson. Â
Sunday afternoon a special prayer service was held, to mentor the youth of Decatur, and help them feel wanted in the community.Â
"I felt thrown away in Decatur in my past years ago. But, I didn't let that stop me from helping someone else along the way. My purpose is to be actively involved in bettering the lives of others, " Said Carson.
Other religious leaders feel this platform will give young people in the community a positive outlet.Â
"Now we have an avenue we have a way for these young people to come up out of that. To come hear some positive thinking some positive minds, get together reunite join forces and go out there," Said Ryan Taylor Pastor at Spread the Salt Ministries. Â
Youth leaders are hopeful, events like the one held Sunday at Antioch Baptist would help older generations listen to what young people have to say in the future.
"Take everything we have to say in, because what I've learned is the younger the child, the more truthful they are," Said 18 years old Aaliyah Buck Co-Founder Youth Involvement.
While still encouraging young people to always take responsibility for themselves, and the choices that they make.
"With the things that are going on around the world, it take us to save us along with god of course. But, it's going to take the youth to motivate the youth to get us to where we are suppose to be," Said Bria Hurns Co-Founder Youth Involvement.Â
A reconciliation of retaliation through peace, love, and unity.
