Week after teen takeovers, community leaders unite and discuss ways to prevent similar incidents

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Community advocates and local leaders gathered in Raleigh to discuss ways to support young people following a July 4 teen takeover that drew an estimated 8,000 teens and resulted in multiple fights and nine people being shot.

The meeting brought together people already working in the community on issues such as youth violence, homelessness and hunger. Organizers said the gathering was a call to action aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

"We needed to get the parents, as well as the communities together to save our youth," said community advocate Rebecca Tisdale.

Diane Powell of Justice Served NC organized the meeting, and Tisdale was among those who answered the call. Participants shared concerns about challenges facing young people and discussed ways to connect them with support and opportunities.

"I see the pain. They are crying out, they don't have nowhere to go and no direction," Tisdale said.

Attendees proposed several solutions, including expanding mentorship programs in schools and throughout the community.

"If they feel like they can relate to you. Yeah. I feel like that, you understand, and you know where they come from, and they'll be more willing to listen," said Raymond Owens.

Others emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities for teens. Lynn Burrell, a parent of teenagers, said she wants to help young people find work before they get into trouble.

"I want to try to put something in place for them. The community reaching them before the streets reach them," Burrell said.

Burrell said she is starting a lawn care company and plans to reserve some positions for teenagers.

"Our kids want money," Burrell said. "This is something I can do in the morning, and I can get up and I can go to work. You know, other than me going down here to the bus terminal doing a teen takeover."

Organizers said the gathering was only the beginning of a broader effort to unite parents, community organizations and local leaders in support of Wake County's youth, to build a stronger community through collective action.

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