Teens to take questions to leaders

The fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jermel Brown beneath an Interstate 26 overpass this summer has scarred and scared many of the city's teenagers, according to officials who work with them.

For that reason, the city of Charleston is holding a forum on Wednesday that will give teens a chance to ask city leaders questions about what is being done to make their neighborhoods safe.

The forum, "Youth Speak Out -- Let Your Voices Ring Out" will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Burke High School Auditorium, 244 President St.

Among those on the panel will be Mayor Joe Riley, Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen, Family Court Judge Jocelyn Cate and YMCA Director Paul Stoney.

Ashley Standafer, Charleston County director for the state department of Juvenile Justice, said employees in her office have heard from a lot of teens following the June 30th death of Brown. Two brothers have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting.

Many teens say they don't feel safe because of the shooting and other violence in the neighborhood. Others want to see more opportunities that will keep them off the streets, Standafer said.

"We want to give juveniles the opportunity to talk to their city officials," she said.

Five teenagers will be on a panel asking the city leaders questions. There will be time for teens in the audience to ask questions, as well, organizers said.

The event is sponsored by the city, the Mayor's Youth Commission, Jack and Jill Inc. of America, the state Department of Juvenile Justice, Burke Community Education and the state Department of Mental Health.

Reach Andy Paras at 937-5589 or aparas@postandcourier.com