Georgetown hosted its first-ever “Straight Talk” event April 10 at Main Street Baptist Church. The all-day seminar featured hip hop artists, ministry leaders, and local leaders who joined together to reach out to kids who are at-risk or simply in need of mentorship.
Local rap artist Chad Jackson (right) was a headliner at the seminar, created to share speakers’ unique stories about overcoming obstacles and turning negative experiences around, all to inspire kids to make positive life decisions.
Williamson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Judge Evelyn McLean and Chad co-created the event to provide alternatives for young people in her court. “I’m not too proud to realize there are kids out there I’m not able to reach personally. I contacted Chad to discuss ideas on how we can reach our youth, and Straight Talk is the first of, I hope, many opportunities for outreach, open to anyone in the County.”
Motivational speakers and mentors spoke about their experiences with everything from parenthood to prison, but also shared how people and opportunities helped them persevere through things kids are facing today, or faced in the past.
One young guest (17) attended as a court alternative, and said it was a great experience to share with his dad. “We got a look into the lives of people we can relate to so we can help ourselves. Everyone has bad stuff happen to them and these folks really got the message across. I will definitely take a lot away from it.”
Georgetown radio host Chad “Church” Carter said he appreciated the opportunity to reach people in person. “It’s also really cool to see our judges not just being the letter of the law but trying to find solutions for individuals.”
Michael Nunez, director of Convicted2Conquer ministries in San Antonio, said he was pleased to see so many young people in attendance at this event. “Even if only one person was here, we would give that person all the same effort. I’m here to tell kids if you want to see yourself tomorrow, look at your friends today. You become everything you’re around and I am a man of God because I have surrounded myself with Godly men.”
Michael likes to use music as a tool in his work because he sees the kids get into hip hop. “God gave us all our unique talents but it is all about Him, and I always make sure to tell kids that I love them. A lot of us didn’t hear that growing up and it’s too easy for these kids to believe when someone says, ‘I hate you;’ they need to learn to believe it when someone loves them.”
Contact [email protected] or JP3 (512-943-1570) for similar events, outreach and inspiration, open to the public.