There is nothing like seeing a community wrap its arms around young people and on May 16, the IWP Youth Symposium showed up in a powerful way.
We closed out the school year with our End of the Year Spring Celebration, and the energy in the room was unforgettable. Centered on the theme How to Be Safe and Stay Out of Trouble This Summer, the event poured into our youth, lifted them up, and sent them into the summer feeling equipped, encouraged, and ready.
Special thanks to our incredible moderators, Andrea A. Hall and Dr. Lisa Williams, for holding the space with grace, care, and strength.
We also extend a huge thank-you to our phenomenal panelists; Azizah Nubia, Dr. Vernisha Finch, Alvin Cordell, Kairo Cannon, Detra McCollom, and William Andrews for keeping the conversation real, relevant, and rooted in love.
To every young person in the room: the Trazana A. Staples Foundation sees you, believes in you, and is rooting for you.
Summer 2026, our youth are ready. Be safe, stay focused, and enjoy every moment!