Make wishtv.com your home page

Local groups uses poetry to give teens and young adults a way to express themselves

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — According to the Center for Disease Control, youth violence is the leading cause of injury and death for teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 to 24.

Various groups in Indianapolis are working overtime to get the attention of those in that age group through poetry, songs and other forms of expression.

This Friday, Him by Her, a local group that specializes in working with at risk youth, and Authors of Conversation, will host an event to allow teens to express themselves through open mic.

“The goal is we want to inspire people and educate people and give them an outlet where they can express themselves,” said Patrice Holmes.

The event will be held at the Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, at 5640 East 38th Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the cost is $10 at the door, which includes food.

On every second Saturday, Localmotion is a platform for artists to express themselves through music, poems, dances and even comedic acts. The group meets at the Fletcher Place Arts and Books on the 642 Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square. Currently, the age group is 13 and up. The cost for admittance is $7.

“We have to put ourselves in their shoes and purposely engage them,” said founder Douglas Morris, as he talked about the need to provide programs for the youth.