(December 6, 2024) Students at Andrew Langston Middle School teamed up with Interim Superintendent of Schools Demario Strickland and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans for the My Brother’s Keeper Youth Mental Health Conference, an event dedicated to highlighting youth mental health.
The conference provided a safe and inclusive space for students to learn, connect, and grow while empowering them to become the next generation of leaders who thrive personally and socially.
“A lot of people have mental health issues, and they don’t talk about it,” said RayQuan Lott, an 8th-grade student at Andrew Langston Middle School. “I like that more people are talking about it and bringing attention to it.”
Throughout the day, students participated in breakout sessions, visiting different classrooms to hear from mental health experts and engaging in open discussions on challenges affecting their well-being.
During the event, Interim Superintendent Strickland led students in an affirmation, “I am my brother’s keeper!” He encouraged them to embrace the message. “I want you to think about that when someone decides to pick on one of your friends or when someone is bullied on social media. You are the ones who can defend those individuals. Take that to heart because if you don’t look out for someone else, others won’t look out for you.”
“Meet people face-to-face,” said Mayor Evans. “You see all these adults around the room; use them as resources. Don’t be afraid to talk about mental health or think it is taboo. Share what is going on in your life with people who can help you.”
The My Brother’s Keeper Initiative, launched by President Barack Obama in 2014, focuses on closing opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color, helping them achieve their full potential. Through this initiative, the Rochester City School District connects students with mentoring and support networks, ensuring they are prepared for college and career success.
