Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) – The city of Syracuse is well known for its university and scenic views. However, a dark cloud persists over it. The tackle against crime and violence has been ongoing, with the city establishing preventive measures to combat this issue.
However, one club is showing that a proactive approach to treat crime and violence begins with youth.
The Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse is a program that teaches kids diversity and the importance of unity. They have three clubs in the Syracuse area.
Diversity and inclusion are a major driving force of the club. By putting the children around different people from a host of areas, it cultivates a unified community.
Chris Gilkes Jr., director of the Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse at the East Fayetteville location talks about the importance of demographics.
“We do something now monthly, called doing positive things, where we get every teen together and the youth, we let them intermingle with other clubs, we go do something positive,” he said.
He mentions that one way to maintain peace at the club is by implementing mediation. He says it teaches an important message to the kids.
“Don’t gotta be best friends with people, gotta respect people though, right? Because it’s the same respect you would want. And in order no matter where you go in life, you got to be able to socialize,” Gilkes Jr. said.
He said the club has been working with schools like Le Moyne College, Syracuse University, and University at Buffalo to enhance their club educationally.
The importance of academia has not been lost on the club, hence why they make the effort to include academics into their club focus.
