The letters covered a wide range of issues including:

• Gun Violence
  • Limitations for purchasing guns
  • Mental health background check
  • Criminal background check for gun crimes
  • Removal of illegal guns so underage children have no access
  • New playgrounds with sensors that detect weapons
• Drugs
  • Creation of taskforce that will decrease minors’ access to drugs
• Unequal human rights regarding African Americans
  • Equal opportunities for jobs, promotions
• Equal access and opportunities to all for the right to vote
• Community poverty/Homelessness
• Creation of community gardens
• Food and clothing drives

Kuumba Academy is part of the EL Education network of schools. Better World Day was created by EL Education for their network of schools to allow students within the network to work together with each other and their communities to contribute ideas that will ultimately change our world, making it a better place for all.

City Council President Trippi Congo, Council Member Bregetta Fields (5^th District), and Council Member Zanthia Oliver (3^rd District), were joined by Mayor Mike Purzycki to receive the students’ letters. State Representative Nnamdi Chukwuocha was also in attendance.

Council Member Bregetta Fields (5^th District) echoed those sentiments saying, “Our students have received the short end of the stick in this pandemic and in many cases, we have failed at gathering their input and suggestions.” She continued, “I am glad to stand with my fellow elected leaders to show our youth that we are serious about listening to them and addressing their concerns as outlined in these letters.”

Council Member Zanthia Oliver (3^rd District) said, “Now, more than ever, we need an all-hands approach to solving the issues plaguing our city. I commend the students for their advocacy and activism and for the choices they make. I am committed to keeping them engaged.”

“I want to thank all of the elected officials for meeting with our students today,” said Kuumba Academy principal Ayanna Johnson. “This is a priceless moment for our students. We teach our students to advocate for themselves and tell them how important they are in bringing change to their community. They have worked hard to present their concerns as young people and also some things they believe can help solve these problems. Thank you to our elected leaders for speaking to our students today and encouraging them with thoughtful responses.”