News Flash

March 6,  2018 - Urgency of Now, also known as RuON, is an annual event that addresses concerns about increased violence among youth and young adults, with an emphasis on black males ages 15-24. It will be held this year at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, on Tuesday, March 20. Doors open at 5 p.m. From 6-7 p.m., the schedule includes:

• Youth and Young Adult Art Displays
• Youth and Young Adult Performances
• High School Student and Alumni Challenge (A trophy goes to the high school that has the most students – including alumni – attending The Urgency of Now)
• The unveiling of the first, second and third-place winners in the contest called “Don’t Sit in Silence, Stop the Violence.” The challenge is for high school teams of 3-5 students to create a themed public service announcement of 60 seconds or less. The top three videos will be edited professionally and unveiled Tuesday night. Visit Top News at www.hampton.gov/youthviolence  for more information.

From 7-8:30 p.m. there will be a Resource Fair featuring organizations that have positive engagement opportunities for youth and young adults. Organizations that are looking for volunteers to support their efforts will also be present. Organizations/vendors looking to recruit volunteers or have an exhibit at Urgency of Now should register online  by March 12.

 The Urgency of Now is sponsored by Hampton’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Opportunities, Cities United, and the City of Newport News.  For more information about how to get involved or to volunteer, contact Program Manager Synethia White at swhite@hampton.gov, 757-727-2730, or email swhite@hampton.gov