2022 Youth Justice Rally
February 24th

Framework

On Thursday, February 24, faith and community leaders with the I Have A Future coalition and others took part in the 14th Annual Youth Justice Rally, “Justice for the Youth, Makes for the Healing of Our Future”. Over 100+ young people from around Boston and across the state including Brockton, Worcester, Lawrence, Chelsea, Revere, Cambridge, and Somerville and elected leaders gathered for this hybrid event which kicked off on the steps of the State House and continued on Zoom.

Youth, young adults, and elected leaders presented their perspectives on how to shift disparities young people experience across the issues of youth jobs, community safety, housing, education and juvenile justice and shared demands that improve mental health, create safer environments, and uplift resources in our homes, schools and communities. While gathering in person and on Zoom to hear testimonies on youth jobs, education and funding at the intersections of housing, community safety, and juvenile justice, we advocated for $28.3 Million in funding for a state-wide YouthWorks youth jobs program, progress on juvenile justice reforms, protection for renters, and the fulfillment of promises made to invest in our education. Our passionate vision emphasizes the need for lawmakers and youth to work together.

On the steps of the Massachusetts State House, there were testimonies and performances by young people from across the Commonwealth. Featured speakers included Boston City Councilor Kendra Laura and Senator Lydia Edwards (First Suffolk, Middlesex) while Representative James O’Day was in attendance . These remarks from youth and elected officials alike brought attention to the legislative policies and action steps that help young people heal from the systems that put up barriers to their success. These stories of injustice are intended to carry across the Commonwealth so that we can hold Governor Baker accountable. Following the in-person rally at the Massachusetts State House, the IHAF Coalition hosted a Zoom event with support from the office of Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz to discuss our platform in more detail and share action steps that will support our efforts to contact every state legislator in the Greater Boston area with our demands. We will also make significant contacts with legislators in Worcester, Chelsea, Revere, Lawrence, Brockton, Springfield and Lowell as these are all cities with high numbers of people of color and immigrants, which are our highest priorities.