The Pan-African Youth Caucus, a project of AFSC, meets in Dayton. AFSC Dayton / AFSC
AFSC has been engaging and empowering a core group of 15 visionary youth leaders who are determined and excited about their collective power and voice to challenge economic and social inequality that is most prevalent among the people of African descent in Ohio.
These youth leaders have taken the first courageous action by creating the AFSC-sponsored Pan-African Youth Caucus (PYC) that is largely composed of African Student Association leaders from college campuses in Northwest and Southwest Ohio. PYC’s mission is to empower and inspire the young people of African descent to become transformational leaders who can stand in solidarity and lift up their collective voices for equal opportunities that would foster their communities’ economic and social mobility.
PYC’s strategy includes, among other things, building alliances with over 30 African Student Associations representing over 6,000 students on college campuses in Ohio. During the next three years, AFSC plans to build PYC’s civic engagement and leadership capacity by training a core group of 84 visionary youth leaders representing six major cities (Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo). As an example, AFSC recently organized an orientation program for nine youth leaders and four mentors.
The orientation was well received as evidenced by the following participant feedback:
“The orientation was very informative and I loved how friendly and welcoming everyone was,” said Natalie.
“I definitely learned new ideas and even found it inspirational,” said Tara.
“It was cool hearing all the older people in different industries sharing their experiences as an African in the public sector,” said Obi.
“The adults did a great job mentoring but, at the same time, letting us take the lead,” said Marvin.
“I enjoyed the conversations we had with the elders; we are putting our plans into action” said Joseph.
“I love the conversation and the elders were there to listen. I think we are up to great things, and y’all know the vibes. Let’s keep working and making changes,” said Emmanuel.
“It was amazing! Thanks for your dedication to that which builds people up,” said Daniel, a community elder and former AFSC Ohio Program Committee Clerk.
For more information and to get involved, please contact Migwe Kimemia, AFSC Program Director, at MKimemia@afsc.org.