PRESS RELEASE
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS-The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission's highly anticipated Youth Summit, which will highlight solutions to recent violence in the state and through the country, will take place on Monday, April 4, 2022, Statehouse Convention Center, 101 East Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Admission is free and opened to the public. Doors open at 8:00 AM, registration is from 8:00 AM-9:00 AM.
The mission of the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, a division of the Arkansas Department of Education, is to promote and preserve the life and legacy of Dr. King in our state; and to promote the principles of nonviolence and equality among all citizens. Our community outreach projects are designed to promote education, an appreciation for history, and to encourage youth to engage in positive leadership development and roles within their communities.
Early arrival is strongly recommended. Meals will not be provided for this event.
According to information provided by the Criminal Analyst Department of the Little Rock Police Department, there were 64 homicides in 2021, 56 of the deaths were attributed to gun violence. Ages of the victims ranged from 18-24, June and July had the highest incidents of violence.
“The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is excited about the April 4th Nonviolence Youth Summit, this will be one of our largest summits. We are preparing to host youth delegations from all four congressional districts. They will take part in workshops that promote alternatives to violence and leading positive lifestyles, says DuShun Scarbrough, Executive Director of the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.
As we travel the state, many leaders express their concerns about an uptick in violence after the transition to Spring. Therefore, we want to use this opportunity to raise awareness and provide engaging opportunities for youth to learn about financial literacy, conflict resolution, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles of nonviolence. We will also take this opportunity to register voters. We will target youth turning 18, already 18, and 17 years old,” says Scarbrough.
Hip hop icon and Media Mogul Percy “Master P” Miller and son, Romeo Miller will be the keynote speakers for the Summit.
“The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is proud to welcome “Percy “Master P” Miller and his son, Romeo Miller to the Nonviolence Youth Summits. “Master P” rose from the depths of poverty and heartbreak, even losing family members to senseless violence, to become one of the wealthiest and most successful entrepreneurs of all time, says Scarbrough. He is very “branded,” says Scarbrough, he has owned a basketball team, clothing line, shoe line, cereal, potato chips, he is a business mogul, he has reimagined the “No Limit” brand across several platforms. I am glad that he is coming to share his wisdom with the community and our young people. He is proof that you can win, you can rewrite your story. He’s here to use his platform to curb violence.
The tragic things that happened in his life should have broken him, but he kept going. Not only that, but he is also passing the baton to his son, Romeo Miller. This is the spirit of what we are doing at the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, sharing principles of success and leadership with the next generation.”
For additional presentations and more information log on to amlkc.eventbrite.com
Program Sponsors: Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Department of Human Services, Victory Over Violence, Power 92 Jams, KOKY 102.1, The Praise Network 102.5 FM.
The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission continues to monitor the COVID-19 health crisis and is committed to the health and well-being of summit attendees, speakers, and staff. The Commission will follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local guidance for meetings and events.
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The Nonviolence Youth Summits employ evidence-based training to prevent conflict and violence in neighborhoods. After researching the model implemented by the King Center for Nonviolence and Social Change, Nonviolence 365 and the Six Principles of Nonviolence, the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission chose to utilize this as a model for this effort. Nonviolence 365 is based on principles espoused by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.