18-04-2025
Community calls for investment in Dayton youth after fatal shooting of student
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Community groups held a press conference Friday — calling for more investment in youth safety after the death of a Dayton Dunbar student in downtown weeks ago.
Racial Justice Now, Black Lives Matter Dayton and Neighborhoods Over Politics came together for a joint press conference, not only to demand action to address the violence that's happening to Dayton youth, but also to start investing in the future of this area.
Dayton residents, students call for action after shooting death of DPS student
'One of the reasons why I decided to physically leave Dayton for myself and my children is because of the decades of divestment,' said Zakiya Sankara-Jabar, Racial Justice Now co-founder.
The three organizations held the joint press conference in response to the death of Dunbar High School Student Alfred Hale, who was shot and killed while waiting for a bus transfer in downtown on his way to school.
The groups are calling for action so that a situation like Hale's does not happen to another — they say it starts by investing in the community.
'We're tired of seeing Black youth being consistently and constantly dehumanized all over this country,' said Sankara-Jabar. 'Because I believe that budgets are moral documents, when you look at the City of Dayton's budget, when you look at even the county's budget, do you see where they love young people?'
The press conference highlighted this lack of investment in Dayton youth.
'We can't say that we love and care for our youth if we don't have something that shows we actually love and care for them,' said Jamica Garrison, Neighborhoods Over Politics co-founder. 'We need people in place and leaders in place to have the right heart.'
A push for the assembly of a multi-stakeholder team was also at the forefront of the discussion. The proposed team would address concerns of safety, transportation, mental health and more, all in an effort to help area youth.
'We urge leaders from Dayton Public Schools, the RTA, Dayton City Government and community stakeholders to convene for an open discussion about the future direction of our tax dollars and transportation funding,' said Carlos Buford, Black Lives Matter Dayton.
The groups hope that this call to action brings officials to the table, to make a better and safer Dayton for future generations.
'Come to the table and not just come to the table Bring some dollars, bring some resources. Bring your time, you know, have a plan, have a solution,' said Garrison.
Groups that were present Friday hope that a dialogue is started and also a coalition that will help address the concerns in Dayton.
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