Tribe brings youths together to discuss gun violence
On Oct. 24, the Hartsville Peace Tribe hosted 30 Darlington County youths at their second Peace Assessment Day. During the event, youths discussed the impacts of gun violence on their lives and ways to address them. According to Peace Tribe member Zimya Dewitt, she saw that “most of the youth in Hartsville have the same views when it comes to gun violence. We just don’t know many ways to solve the problem.” Peace Assessment Day 2.0 was held at Cypress Adventures and was a continuation of the first event held in July. The day included several activities such as a mask contest, interactive yet non-contact games and a council circle. These activities help participants get to know each other, safely start conversations about difficult subjects, and have fun. Information gathered at the event will help the Peace Tribe organize future events, and develop resources for local youth. The Peace Tribe’s ultimate goal is to create teen pop-up centers, which are judgment-free, safe places where young people can process their thoughts in unique and creative ways. These mobile pop-up centers will connect and engage youths in community affairs. Founding member Nigel Fulmore-Smith said that the pop-up teen centers will be “immensely productive ways of connecting with the local youth. We will be able to connect and provide games, and discussions that they may not get at school or at home.” The Hartsville Peace Tribe is a youth empowerment group that wants to make a lasting impact on the local community. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech, “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint,” the Peace Tribe supports youths and young adults in Hartsville and in the Pee Dee area. Eight concerned citizens from the Hartsville and Pee Dee area formed the group in March. The founding members of the Peace Tribe are Niesha Smith, Francisco Diaz, Te’Quan Coe, Kassena Coe, Nigel Fulmore-Smith, Christie Black, Archie Torain and Brianna Hall. Niesha Smith explained, “The Peace Tribe was started because of the trauma and all the hurt that is going on around us in the world. I think having a group that is dedicated to responding to those issues and events that we have in the world, that is most important. To talk about these things, truly, and get a solution. That is what the Peace Tribe is all about, getting a solution.” The Peace Tribe is recruiting like-minded young people to be a part of the organization. Since forming in March, the Peace Tribe has recruited four members, who actively took part in the programming of Peace Assessment Day 2.0. These members are Anisha Green, Zimya Dewitt, Lorenzo Dewitt and Hunter Purvis.