Ogbang says youth need purpose; Chair and Narcisse encourage him to spread the word

Because if, for example, if you teach me

more about the criminal justice system.

I could teach others and youth around me more about the criminal justice system, which can probably deter them away from crime and things like that.

So just it's empowering to see how mentorship can play a big role in the youth.

And yeah, thank you.

First, I'd like to thank you for your testimony.

I could not tell that it was, you know, that you were nervous from not being around other young people.

You did an amazing job.

I'm a graduate of NYU also.

And, you know, what you're saying is something that.

I subscribe to mentorship is important and I'm glad that you are associated with a community based organization while in college.

I encourage you to join organizations in within your school as well and look for internship opportunities.

I know the New York City Council, for example, we have interns even on the committee staff that you should explore.

There are resources here.

And what I found just a few months ago, earlier this year, we had a youth town hall in Southeast Queens because, unfortunately, a 14-year-old was shot and killed.

And we allowed the young people to come as well as their families to come.

to speak about where the gaps are.

And we continue to hear about not enough programs.

And the reality is, in some communities, that is the case.

But oftentimes, it's also the lack of being able to communicate in a way that the community is receiving.

Because there are a number of programs that exist.

People may not know about it.

Like, did you know that we had a fellowship program with the New York City Council?

So it takes moments like this, unfortunately, for people to learn about it.

But we do have to do a better job to communicate this out to the right.

To the intended community, which is the young people.