HCCC Youth Justice Summit helps to bridge gap between youth and adults

By Alice Thomas-Tisdale

JA Publisher Emerita

“Stops managing kids and believe in them.” 

– Ronquerio Terry

“We gather here in the spirit of purpose, possibility, and progress,” The Honorable Carlyn M. Hicks, Youth Court Judge, Hinds County, MS, told attendees at the 2025 Youth Justice Summit held August 2 at the Jackson Convention Complex. “This summit is more than just a youth-led convening; it is a call to action. It is a space where youth voices are lifted, community partnerships are strengthened, and innovative solutions take root,” she said.

Judge Hicks emphasized that youth are living in a time when the challenges facing them are complex and urgent. “It is our collective responsibility to create systems that protect, uplift, and empower them,” she said.

The theme for the all-day event presented by the Hinds County Children’s Coalition was “People, Policy, and Promising Practices,” to reflect the core elements necessary to advance meaningful, lasting change. 

Through panels, breakout sessions, and interactive loop showcases, participants explored strategies to improve outcomes for youth while building bridges across the justice, education, mental health, and community sectors.

Panelists were: Dr. Brittany Gray, social justice strategist; Erica Perry, Esq., Executive Director, Southern Movement Committee; Dr. Corey Greene, co-founder, How Our Lives Link Altogether (HOLLA); and Ronquerio Terry, peer mentor, Living With Purpose.

Breakout session leaders were: Richard Bradley and Dr. Nicole Charleston Edwards of Metro Booming Training Academy (Workforce Development/Entrepreneurship); Mashayla Reed, LMSW, Imani Miller, Ed.S, and Cristall Alize Clanton, MS, BSW (Mental Health & Wellness); John Knight (Living with Purpose), Benny Ivey (Stronger Arms of MS), and Ronald D. Jones Jr., intervention court coordinator (Community-Based Solutions); and attorneys Eric and E. Carlos Tanner, attorneys at law (Law & Justice).

Guest speaker was Xavier McElrath-Bey, Executive Director, Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY). He shared his unimaginable youth with 19 arrests and seven convictions by age 13, the final one for a gang-related murder. After serving the same number of years, 13, of a 26-year sentence, he was released from prison and now looks back only to help others move forward.

“No child is born bad,” believes McElrath-Bey. “No child should ever receive a ‘death in prison’ sentence. All children, including those who have made horrible mistakes, have the capacity for positive change. I’m proof.”

In thanking conversation leaders and listening audience, Judge Hicks stated, “As Youth Court Judge for Hinds County, I remain committed to a vision of justice that is fair, responsive, equitable, accountable, and centered on hope. But, this work is not possible without the community. Your presence here, whether as a youth, parent, advocate, service provider, policymaker, or community leader, demonstrates your commitment to standing in the gap and reimagining what is possible for our youth. Thank you for joining us on this journey. I encourage you to engage fully, listen deeply, and leave this space inspired.”

Judge Hicks’ hope was realized in the level of engagement by attendees. It signaled a win for future summits to address mental health & wellness, youth workforce & development, law & justice, and community-based solutions.

Youth Justice Summit sponsors were Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), One Voice, Metro Booming Training Academy, Families as Allies, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Hinds County, and Living With Purpose (LWP).