youth

Young people in Kansas City are feeling the effects of violent crime. Youth Ambassadors, a Kansas City nonprofit, is helping kids work through the trauma, build resilience and have a voice in their community.

Police and Mayor Quinton Lucas say a focus on deterrence, community partners and youth curfews could help stem the record violence of last year, when there were seven homicides over Memorial Day weekend.

Ricky Kidd, an exoneree who works as a motivational speaker and mindset coach, will hold a workshop, "Raising Men," aimed at helping young men in Kansas City develop their ability to make responsible decisions.

Kids Feeding Kids, a program run by Pete's Garden, teaches high schooler students how to mass produce meals to serve families in their communities.

Local queer couple Joan and Harper Rose opened Goofball Sk8boards last year in the Waldo neighborhood after feeling tired of the judgment that often comes with the skate scene. The shop and indoor park, where the Roses teach lessons, is a place to learn — and be goofy — in a safe and sober environment.

More than 300 people attended the two-day KC United for Safety symposium aimed at creating a comprehensive plan to address violent crime in Kansas City. Organizers hope to share their recommendations in April.

Khalia Davis started as The Coterie's new producing artistic director on Feb. 1. Before landing in Kansas City, Davis helped lead the Bay Area Children’s Theatre in Oakland, California. Her appointment comes a year after her predecessor died by suicide amidst accusations of sexual abuse.

DJ Yearwood, an intern for Kansas City Council member Melissa Patterson Hazley, is working to develop the KC Futures Commission, where teens and young adults would advise the government on relevant issues.

Michael Glenn, a 16-year-old from Hutchinson, Kansas, and Gina Long, a local librarian, launched The Hutchinson Tribune in July.

Lifelong martial artist David Muhammad has used a background in karate to launch his kickboxing practice onto the global stage. The two disciplines have fed his thirst for competitive combat, and helped him build a diverse community in south Kansas City.

Dr. Robin Gurwitch, a psychologist and professor at Duke University Medical Center, spoke with Up To Date about how to speak with kids and teens about violence around the world — and here at home.

An estimated 70% of children quit organized sports by age 13. Filmed in the Kansas City metro, the new documentary "Not Good Enough" discusses the mental strain that young athletes feel from perfectionism and competition, and how adults can better approach the game.