Horsford, Jeffries Hold Listening Session with Southern Nevada Youth on Preventing Violence and Creating Opportunity

LAS VEGAS, NEV. — On Monday, September 13, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) held a roundtable conversation with Southern Nevada youth about breaking the cycle of violence and creating opportunity in urban communities.

"When we invest in young people, we transform entire communities," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "Growing up on the Historic Westside of Las Vegas, I saw the difference it makes when young people believe a better future is waiting for them. As we work to break cycles of violence and build opportunity in urban neighborhoods, we must center the voices of those most affected by violence and mass incarceration. I'm deeply grateful to the young people who shared their stories yesterday, and I thank Congressman Jeffries for joining me to listen."

"Frederick Douglass said that 'It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.' Too often even the slightest brush with the criminal justice system can disrupt a child's life and have adverse effects throughout their lifetime. What we heard yesterday only highlighted the importance of ending mass incarceration in our country and reducing violence in our communities. I thank Rep. Horsford for inviting me to join this powerful conversation with these young men and women who shared their stories and are working hard to change the system," said Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

"We don't get to see young people interacting with elected officials and having their voices heard like we did at yesterday's event," said Sean'Jerrion Coleman, a youth leader at Nevada Partners who focuses on violence prevention. "It was great to have Congressman Horsford and Congressman Jeffries — successful Black men who look like us — talk to us about the issues in our community. They know about the challenges we face, and they're working tirelessly to stop violence and create hope."

In June, Congressman Horsford and Congressman Jeffries introduced the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, legislation to direct $5 billion in grants over eight years to evidence-informed community violence and prevention programs. The legislation would also create a $1.5 billion grant program to help organizations and local governments provide job training, education, or work experiences to young people in communities disproportionately impacted by violence.

Media Contact
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