Yesterday I posted about Linda Sarsour announcing the upcoming release of a version of her memoir for young readers. It turns out this is not her only activity related to addressing young people; A group called End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin has announced its annual Teen Summit in June, with Sarsour as one of its keynote speakers.
The Teen Summit is End Abuse’s largest training, developed by and for young people. It brings together youth, parents, educators, activists, and mentors from across Wisconsin and the surrounding area to learn about individual and community healing, anti-violence work centering those most impacted, and imagining violence-free futures. The event encourages honest reflection and discussion of issues that impact young people. Supportive opportunities for participants to reflect and learn through identity groups and creative expression are woven throughout the Summit.
Educational speakers, youth-led workshops, artistic performances that include spoken word, and featured keynotes will offer attendees interactive experiences that align with the summit’s theme of ‘rEVOLutionary ACTS.’ This year’s keynotes are 21-year-old activist, organizer, and documentarian Melissa Denizard; political activist and former Women’s March co-chair Linda Sarsour; and Queer Black writer, organizer, and Black Masculinities scholar Nalo Zidan. These thought-leaders will guide this impactful event that lays foundations for young people’s participation in creating violence-free relationships and communities.
“Prevention work is at the heart of ending violence,” said End Abuse Executive Director Monique Minkens. “1 in 4 youth are impacted by dating violence, and far more are impacted by violence related to race, class, gender, and sexual identity. The Teen Summit offers young people resources for identifying both harmful and healthy relationship dynamics, and chances to build friendships with peers and youth activists that are part of building a violence-free future.”
The idea of Sarsour guiding young people in creating violence-free relationships and communities is akin to having an avowed pyromaniac address a crowd on fire prevention.
Or perhaps an even better analogy; it is akin to Sarsour speaking on antisemitism.
