Teen Violence is a tragedy that affects the life of not only the victim but also everyone. This is a common issue that affects the lives of Dorchester youth on a daily basis. According to Center for Disease and Control (CDC), in 2003 5,570 Youth between the ages of 10 to 24 were murdered on an average of 15 each day. What happened that started this life-taking trend? This troubling question echoed through the air on February 28 in the multi-purpose room at 450 Washington Street. The speakers, Jamarhl Crawford (The New Black Panther Party), Adam Gibbons (Safe Neighborhood Initiative), Snider Jean-Jacques (Safer Neighborhood) and Tina Chery (Louis D. Brown Peace Institute), came with experience, statistics and history of violence. The speakers made it known that violence stems from racial deprivation, not knowing your history and where you’re going, and good ol’ fashion racism. Who is at fault for the many graves filled with youth who never had a chance to flourish? Who is at fault for racism and ineffective programs that don’t work? “We as adults failed you,” said Tina Chery, President and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, an answer that surprisingly didn’t surprise anyone. Chery encouraged the youth to challenge adults, to “shift mindsets” and to “believe that you matter.” “Tonight was a very powerful night,” said Anita Marshall, 17, because it wasn’t something “I wanted to hear, but what I needed to hear.” With these types of open forums, involving both youth and adults, is the key to breaking the mold of silence between young and old. It is the key to learning the languages of each other so there can be effective communication and the key to restoration. The Dorchester Youth Council is a youth engagement leadership program that serves youth between the ages of 12 and 17, who work together to better the Dorchester community through community service learning practices. The Dorchester Youth Council is coordinated through a partnership between Social Capital Inc. (SCI) and DotWell. The Boston Globe Foundation, Lenny Zakim Fund, Massachusetts Service Alliance, Boston Scientific and Sovereign Bank provide major funding. For more information about the event or the Dorchester Youth Council, please contact Grace Ejiwale, Youth Program Coordinator at Gejiwale@scidorchester.org or (617) 822 8297. Make sure you check out www.mydorchester.org to find out the Dorchester Youth Council’s upcoming events.