Youth Rise: A Gun Violence Awareness Experience | Year 2

Gun violence is real—and it’s impacting our generation in and out of school. But together, we can speak up, heal, and create change.
About this Event

Hosted by The Vecina Cafe Empowerment Center Inc

Join us for a powerful afternoon created by and for youth to break the silence, raise awareness, and stand for peace in our communities.

🎤 What to Expect:

✅ Live Panel – Real stories from youth, survivors, mental health advocates & community leaders✅ Spoken Word & Music – Performances that hit home✅ Short Film Screening – Blink: A powerful film on youth and gun violence✅ Peace Mural Station – Paint your hand, leave your mark: Peace Starts With Me✅ Resources That Matter – Crisis support, grief counseling, youth programs & more✅ Free snacks & open café station

🧡 For Us, By Us:

Whether you’ve been impacted by violence or just want to be part of the solution—this space is for you. Come as you are, leave inspired, informed, and ready to take action.

Let’s make it loud: Our lives matter. Our voices matter. Peace starts with us.

Agenda

🕑: 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Gun Violence Awareness Café Day: “Peace Starts With Me”
Host: LeAnn Genesis Flores

Info: LeAnn Flores is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for community empowerment. As the CEO and Founder of The Vecina Cafe Empowerment Center Inc., she has created an innovative space dedicated to uplifting and strengthening local communities. Her commitment to storytelling and collaboration is reflected in her work as Assistant Director and head of crew for the short film BLINK, where she brought vision and creativity to the production. LeAnn is a steadfast champion for stronger, more connected communities, continuously striving to inspire and empower those around her.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Welcome + Resource Lounge Opens | Open Café
🕑: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Opening Remarks & Moment of Silence
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:15 PM
Film Screening: BLINK
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:00 PM
Panel Discussion & Talk Back
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Mural Activity: “Peace Starts With Me”
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Live Performances: Spoken Word & Song