A Chicago-based Black Lives Matter activist has big plans to create opportunities for at-risk youths. Ja’Mal Green announced plans Tuesday to open a youth center in Chicago’s Bronzeville community, CBS News Chicago reports.
Green and his partners want to house a program, which targets young people age 12 to 24, at a facility in February that’s expected to be vacant soon.
“We’re going to guide them through school and make sure they’re ready to go to college,” Green said, according to CBS. “We’re going to teach them the tools they need to be successful, instead of walking around in the streets and hanging with their friends, with nothing to do, in survival mode.”
Green, however, faces a familiar roadblock that could derail his vision.
“So far, we have a few thousand dollars—it’s something,” the activist said. “We need to raise about $47,000.”
For anyone who doubts his determination, a confident Green, 21, pointed to his accomplishments, despite his youth.
“I’ve been doing work in the community for years,” he said. “I opened up my own company at 15 years old, and I was traveling the country at 15 years old, and talking to schools booking me all over the country.”
Green gained notoriety calling for Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s resignation over the Laquan McDonald shooting and apparent cover-up attempt.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the activist was arrested for allegedly assaulting a Chicago Police officer during a protest in July. He’s pleaded not guilty.
SOURCE: CBS News Chicago, Chicago Tribune
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Black Lives Matter Activist Announces Plan To Open Youth Training Center was originally published on newsone.com