A large number of youth gathered at City Hall one evening to witness Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city leaders relaunch the Youth Commission of Philadelphia.
About 345,000 youth live in Philadelphia, and Parker said they deserve to have representation in the city.
“So having the Youth Commission is important. It gives the youth the chance to bring their issues, their thoughts and their concerns to the table by fellow young people who mirror them in the community,” Parker said.
The 21 youth commissioners come from neighborhoods throughout the city, including Nicetown, Fishtown, Overbrook and Germantown. City Council members appointed 17 of the commissioners, and the mayor named four. The commission is fully staffed for the first time since 2016.
“My goal is to have representation that reflects the ideas and the mission of what youth want to see in city government,” said Shania Bennett, director of the Office of Youth Engagement.
The commissioners will chair and participate in subcommittees on a range of issues affecting Philly’s youth, ranging from public safety to mental health and workforce development.
“What a testament to the power of representation and importance of empowering the next generation,” said Makayla Myers, a youth commissioner appointed by Parker. “As a young Black woman, I am proud to be a reflection of the diverse and resilient spirit of our city.”
Even a fire alarm in the middle of the meeting did not dim the spirits of the young commissioners who are ready to get to work and make their mark on the city.
Parker said these youth represent the hard work and grit that Philly is known for.
Kevin Bethel, head of the Philadelphia Police Department, said the mayor had highlighted his work with juveniles when she named him as police commissioner.
“I just want to welcome you and I welcome the opportunity from this department to work with you, to understand the needs that our young people have across this city, and how the Philadelphia Police Department can be more effective in aligning our work with the work that you will do,” Bethel said.
The commissioners are already taking their new responsibilities to heart. A job fair is planned in the fall to help youth find a career path to economic success.
Also, spots are open to join the subcommittees for city residents who are 12 to 23 years old.
Parker believes that problem solving comes from the bottom up and that young people have innovative ideas that may help the city.
“I want you to know we can’t end gun violence without young people helping to lead the way,” she said. “We can’t stop truancy without young people, we can’t increase literacy rates without them, or financial literacy without our young people.”
