A local nonprofit is taking unique measures to try and encourage children to live safer, more peaceful lives.
The Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta has organized the Live B4U Die Summit, which will include a mock New Orleans-style funeral. The event is intended to let young people know "they don't have to succumb to an early grave," CCMA's CEO and president Norma Joy Barnes said in a statement.
“Every day, young people are prematurely losing their lives as a result of homicide, suicide, automobile accidents, risky behavior, and poor choices,” Barnes said. “This trend should and can be reversed.”
The “powerful and provocative program will begin with a dramatization of the senseless death of a teenager,” according to a press release. The mock funeral includes a coffin; a symbolic funeral song performed by saxophonist Avery Dixon; a “positive hip-hop performance;” performances by the Tri-City High School Drama Guild and the Morehouse Glee Club Drummers; and a eulogy delivered by the Rev. Dr. Kevin Murriel, senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church.
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After the mock funeral, an interactive “post mortem” forum will be held with representatives from community agencies and organizations to offer keys to avoiding premature deaths. Organizers expect 1,000 young people to attend this year.
Live B4U Die summits have been held in Atlanta in 2009 and 2012.
This year’s event will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 80 Walnut St. SW. Admission is free, but registration at www.communitycouncilma.org is suggested to ensure seating.
For more information, call 404-935-5859 or 678-772-5558 or email info@communitycouncilma.org.
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