By Britney Pierce
Peace Justice Institute
There’s something powerful happening in Sanford, and it’s coming straight from the voices of our youth. The City of Sanford’s Race, Equality, Equity and Inclusion (REEI) Committee, the Peace and Justice Institute and the Mayor’s Youth Council recently hosted Sanford Speaks, a candid conversation between the youth of Sanford and the community. Held at the Dr. Velma Williams Westside Community Center, this event brought residents together for one important purpose: to listen deeply.
The Sanford Speaks event is built on mutual respect and courage. This year, the community dialogue invited youth to sit with the community and share their perspective on what it’s like to be young today, how they see diversity, what they wish adults knew about their lives, and how they’d vision a more inclusive Sanford. They had the opportunity to take the mic through a mirror listening exercise and share their lived experiences. It’s a chance for adults and community leaders to hear directly from the next generation about what matters most to them.
Participants said…
“What stood out to me most about what the youth shared was their honesty and their courage in naming something many adults often overlook, being unafraid to speak about issues that they see in their lives and generation.”
“Sanford can thrive once we spend more time interacting with each other, in particular, those from differing backgrounds and situations.”
The Race, Equality, Equity, and Inclusion (REEI) Advisory Committee serves as a vital resource for the City of Sanford. Its mission is to advise the City Commission and staff on strategies to promote diversity, inclusion, and racial equity within the community. The committee focuses on initiatives that foster a sense of belonging for all residents. Through Sanford Speaks, they are creating spaces that help build bridges and trust across generations and Sanford’s diverse communities.
Barbara Coleman-Foster, Co-Chair of the REEI committee said, "It's important for us adults to remember that these young people will become the leaders who make decisions on behalf of our community. We want...need them to be invested now in helping to create and maintain a welcoming and supportive environment. I believe that starts by not only listening to but truly hearing the youth and responding to their concerns."
Additionally, Tony Hernández , REEI committee Co-Chair shares, “We are happy today, but we strive for a better tomorrow. The best investment we can make for our city is to listen to our youth. By closing the generational gap and coming together as one, we can build a stronger, brighter future. Why wait for tomorrow when we can start today?”
The insights gathered from these events will be transcribed into a comprehensive report presented to the City Commission, highlighting key takeaways and recommendations for making equity and inclusion a living part of Sanford’s policies and culture.
As Sanford continues to grow and evolve, events like Sanford Speaks remind us of the value of simply listening. When we make space for all voices, especially our youth, we lay the groundwork for a stronger, more united city.
Visit the City of Sanford website to read past reports and stay up to date on future events. Because in Sanford, every voice matters.
Read it here: https://sanfordfl.gov/government/community-relations/race-equality-equity-and-inclusion-committee/
