HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Hampton Operation Ceasefire: Beyond the Bullet Youth Summit is taking back the community.
It’s all happening at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive Hampton, VA 23666) from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
In its second year, Operation Ceasefire promises to bring an empowering experience to the community while bringing awareness to the causes of gun violence.
On Saturday, 50 vendors will pour into the community with resources, programming, internships and mentorship opportunities.
“I believe in bringing back the village,” said Keyanna Young, Operation Ceasefire program coordinator. “So a lot of people are doing things to combat gun violence. But I feel like since we’re all doing the same thing, why not bring it into one location? Let’s all come together and provide resources to our young people.”
A screening of the independent film, “The Crux,” by the Young at Heart is part of this year’s lineup of activities, which include food, games, music, prizes and free exclusive “Beyond the Bullet” T-shirts onsite.
“So we want the film to get exposure because right now we’re only screening ninth grade students,” she said. “But we understand that violence happens to all of them. And peer pressure happens to all of them. So we want the whole community to see this film. The film is produced by Fayetteville’s Police Department and their Operations Ceasefire program. We are currently trying to secure funding.”
One of the anticipated highlights is a special guest panel that will tackle gun violence from those who’ve experienced the crime themselves.
“We have a professional boxer, professional models, professional clothing designers,” Young said. “We have our school board president. So they do have gun violence ties. We have one individual. She is a model. She was shot in her face and she didn’t let her victimization change her life. She used it and she became a well-known model. So we have a lot of people who can talk about how gun violence directly affects them, but how they did not allow it to change their lives, how they used it to bring a positive message to the community.”
The organization said the main goal is to prevent people from entering the system and for them to remain safe, alive and free.
Registration for the event is not required, but is recommended.
