Second annual YBMKQ Gala
#YngBlkPgh: Kahlil Darden, a 17-year-old student from Penn Hills, started Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens as a way to combat negativity in his community by encouraging his friends and peers to stay off the streets and do something more positive with their lives. “I provide programs to black youth and wanted to shine a light on stories of Pittsburghers overcoming adversity and being able to build and share a network to show others how they got there.” Being the same age as Antwon Rose II, who was killed when he was shot three times in the back while running from a police officer during a traffic stop in East Pittsburgh on June 19, Kahlil reflected on the need for youth-led programming. “We have to go harder to get youth involved so that things like this won’t happen. I feel like I could have done something to prevent this [Antwon’s death], and it hurts me that I could’t stop this from happening.” Kahlil’s uncle also died as a result of gun violence, motivating him to start this organization. “It’s not enough to protest,” he added. “We need to have our voices heard at board meetings, local elections and in our communities to really make change happen.”
Co-founder Tamia Coleman, 18, also felt that the older generations need to show that they care about youth. “Mentoring should be mandatory in schools. Oftentimes kids go to class and go home with no one they can talk to. All the things going on in the community is nothing new. We need a safe haven, which is why we wanted to start this organization. Our members draw, sing, act, using art as a way to express themselves. I’ve made so many new friends through this work and want adults to see that we want positive change, too.”
The sold-out dinner event Saturday at Hyatt House in Bloomfield was hosted by Brian Burley, an adviser to the organization, who felt inspired by these young people and wanted to show his support. “Seeing them want to do more and not waiting on another generation was a wake-up call. I see a lot of myself in Kahlil and recognize the importance of representation. So often these stories are not told and people only hear the negative side. It’s hard for them to keep persisting, but their leadership should be celebrated.” To learn more about the organization, visit: https:// www.facebook.com/ybmkpgh.
#SummerSolstice: Thursday night in the street along Allegheny River Boulevard, Oakmont.
#ShareLove: What better way to spend the longest night of the year than outside practicing yoga in the street with 78 of your Gumby-like friends? To add to the impact, why not donate all of the money from that class to the Joseph A. Massaro Alzheimer’s Research Fund, started in 2013 by Carol Massaro, who wanted to honor her husband who died from the disease? “Carol Kinkela inspired me to do this event. She works closely with Carol Massaro. I had received a letter from the national Alzheimer’s Foundation about starting a team to raise money and was inspired by Carol Kinkela’s Longest Table event the year prior so I went to speak to her about it. Carol told me about the Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Foundation and why it was so close to her. I found her story to be very moving. The Massaro family and their research foundation is also local, which spoke to me, as well,” said Sarah Hummel, owner of Amazing Yoga Pittsburgh. She added: “We must support one another to grow individually and to be a part of something greater than ourselves.” That sentiment could be felt throughout the event, with several yoga enthusiasts echoing Ms. Hummel’s words: “I try to come out and support local causes whether personal to me or not, because it increases our sense of caring for one another,” said Krista Tivo. Jennifer Coller agreed, adding, “It is important to be a part of things that are uplifting and healthy in our communities.” The event raised more than $1,500. To learn more about the upcoming Longest Table party happening Aug. 24, email: carabela@earthlink.net.