BOSTON — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Massachusetts), published as received.

BOSTON – The Boston Interagency Committee on Violence Prevention will host events and competitions for young people in the Boston community in recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week, April 4-8, 2016. 

 “I’m thrilled to once again be a part of this event, which showcases how young people channel their incredible talents to resist and prevent violence in their schools and communities,” said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.  “Each year, I’m awed by the strength of Boston’s young people to stand up for peace and defend their right to violence-free communities.  With the activism and advocacy that youth have been demonstrating, I’m sure this year will be no different!”

National Youth Violence Prevention Week aims to raise awareness and to educate young people, parents, and communities as a whole, about effective ways to prevent and reduce youth violence.  The campaign, which is held in cities across the country, features activities, competitions and events that bring young people together to make their schools and communities safer by using peaceful forms of self-expression.

DJs from JAM’N 94.5 will host a city-wide Peace Rally at the Reggie Lewis Center at Roxbury Community College on April 7th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, which will be the highlight of the week.  At the rally, the winners of the anti-violence themed contests for Boston students will be announced, and the Floorlords, Vine Street Dancers, and Seekers of Knowledge dance groups will perform.  There will also be surprise audience-participation contests with prizes, and guest-appearances by top officials.  Over 500 people attended the 2015 Peace Rally.

The Boston Interagency Committee on Violence Prevention recently announced the creative anti-violence themed contests in schools and community centers.  Boston students in grades K-5 will submit posters with a theme of “Youth Standing STRONG Against Violence;” grades 6-8 will enter poetry with the same theme; and high school students are invited to create hip-hop music videos with an anti-violence message. 

Prizes for the top three entries in each category include Target gift cards, Red Sox tickets, and a spotlight on JAM’N 94.5’s “Saturday Night Jump Off.”  Sponsoring agencies will also receive Staples gift cards in recognition of their support. 

Another event taking place in Boston during National Youth Violence Prevention Week will be held at the Umana Barnes Middle School in East Boston on April 4th.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office will team up to present a combined program encouraging positive decision-making and alternatives to violence.

The Boston Interagency Committee on Violence Prevention consists of representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Governor of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, City of Boston Mayor’s Office, Boston Police Department and Boston Centers for Youth & Families.

Sponsors of the event include JAM’N 94.5 Radio, Roxbury Community College, MassHousing, Crystal Rock Beverages, Boston Police Athletic/Activities League and the Youth Violence Prevention Funders Learning Collaborative.

For further information, visit www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf/programs and click on “Youth Standing Strong Against Violence,” or send an email to youthstandingstrong@yahoo.com.