ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A group of young leaders from Rochester recently participated in the National Urban League's Youth Case Competition in New Orleans.
Their efforts are shedding light on the importance of youth voices in creating more diverse and inclusive communities. The group joined peers from across the country to present their ideas in a challenge titled "Defending Diversity," with a focus on making children safer online.
The youth team proposed innovative solutions to combat the dangers of the internet for young users. Their pitch: an artificial intelligence tool designed to help children navigate the web safely, protecting them from harmful content while keeping parents informed about their online activities.
"We got fifth place, but we weren't discouraged, and we had fun," said Malachi Finley, one of the participants. "The rest of the summer was honestly just a great time. We like the same things, we do the same things, so it's easier for us to come to a consensus."
The Project Ready Case Competition unites youth teams nationwide to address critical community issues. It’s about more than just competition; it's an opportunity for young people to connect, share ideas and empower one another.
As Nevaeh Smith reflected, "It was amazing to see so many people facing their fears on stage."
The group’s proposal emphasized the need for early digital literacy, acknowledging that children as young as five or six often have access to smartphones without understanding the potential risks.
"Kids need to learn how to use the internet safely," said Allen Nesmith. "A lot of times, five-year-olds, six-year-olds have their mom's phone, and at the end of the day, they're watching something they shouldn't be."
The team's efforts align with the Urban League of Rochester's longstanding mission, which has been empowering youth through education and leadership development for nearly 60 years.
Tautran Uthman, a representative from the Urban League of Rochester, underscored the importance of listening to youth voices: "We want to give young people a space to make sure they're being heard. Sometimes you can be heard, and nothing happens, but we're also trying to make sure we act on what they’re voicing."
The young leaders are calling on adults and community leaders to invest in the next generation by actively listening and supporting youth-driven ideas. They stress the importance of building a reciprocal relationship between adults and youth to ensure a thriving future.
"There needs to be more reciprocity," Finley emphasized. "Adults should give back to children so that we can grow and give back to the community. It’s a cycle, and without it, there’s no foundation."