By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — A community forum is scheduled to take place today at 1 p.m. at New Direction Outreach Ministries located at 306 Oak St. in Natchez. The Rev. Kevin Deason is extending an invitation to all of those in Natchez and Adams County to come and participate in this open discussion about the need to focus on the youth in the community.

“We have had so much negative going on in our city,” Deason said. “We have to find something positive for our kids.”

The constant negative influences surrounding the youth is a concern and Deason believes young peoplr are getting the wrong message. He said they are getting the idea it is cool to shoot people or be involved in that kind of lifestyle or they are fearful.

“We have to give our children a chance to live the life they deserve,” Deason said. “I feel like we need to come together as a community and find some solutions — not problems. We know what the problems are, we have to find the solutions.”

Deason said people should  bring lists of assets currently in existence in the area that can be utilized to enhance the lives of our children.

“It is like the spokes on a bicycle wheel,” Deason said. “All of the spokes, or resources we already have, lead to the center and do their part, but if the spoke is not attached, it is useless.”

Many times the community looks to the leaders and the law enforcement for solutions to the issues; however, there are things individuals can do to help with the growing concerns in the community, he said.

Monday, during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, Deason and others handed out more than 300 fliers announcing the forum. He said the response was positive.

Deason hopes the forum will see a large turnout, but he also plans to continue the discussion on a regular basis – at least monthly.

“After the forum, we will have a community panel that will come together on a regular basis,” Deason said. “They will meet monthly to go over what we have, what we doing with it and what we can do with it.”

He wants to let those who are considering getting involved know this is not a one-time meeting or something that will take place occasionally.

“I want people to know that we are going to meet often,” Deason said. “This is important in order for us to implement change for our children.”

Overall, he feels like the community is going to be the force supporting the community.

“We cannot totally rely on someone else to come up with a solution and make it happen,” Deason said. “Every parent, business, community organization and church has to get involved. We need to support each other.”

A major concern Deason said he has is making sure to include everyone.

“Our society has a way of putting the child who is doing well up on a pedestal for others to praise while we pay little attention, if any to the average child or the one who is not doing so well,” Deason said. “We don’t want to let these children fall to the side. Perhaps those who are doing well can help encourage the ones who are not. Instead of negative peer pressure we can have positive peer reinforcement.”

Deason also knows there will need to be those who are willing to go into the community to reach those who are not going to come out to seek the help. But he believes it is doable.

There are other positive events coming up at the church. At 6 p.m. on Jan 27, NDOM will host an event titled “Friday Night Lights… Flowetry.” This will be a time when the youth and young adults in the area are invited to perform Christian or inspirational poems, raps or short stories. Each performer will get four minutes each.

“This is not something that allows or encourages explicit language,” Deason said. “It is our hope it will encourage children and other young adults to showcase their talents. These events are popular in bigger cities and have been for a while.”

At 2 p.m. the following day, Jan. 38, The church is hosting a “Youth Day Concert” featuring Erik Stephen, local dance groups and local youth choirs.

Deason said ultimately, those who want to help need to be persistent.

“Often times, in these situations people look at what we need and say we cannot afford to do this,” Deason said. “We cannot allow what we do not have to stop us from doing what we can. Everyone has something to offer.”

Ultimately, Deason feels this idea will not fail if the people behind it remain persistent and consistent and it is done in love.

“Love will never fail us,” Deason said. “Love for our children, love for our community and love for each other will never fail us, if we pursue love. And we must have love for each other.”

If anyone is interested in the forum and cannot attend, but would still like to participate in some way, they can contact Deason at 601-451-8546.