Young leader organizes Youth March for Change against violence

GARY | David King is not your average high school senior.

He has already identified his future job – president of the U.S., and got his feet wet as the 2012-13 president of the Indiana Association of Students Councils.

He was the first African-American to hold this statewide office, and delivered his farewell address March 12 in Indianapolis. The room was packed with student leaders from all over the state, many of whom lined up to be photographed with King as he passed the gavel to the next president.

King was also presented with the Dale D. Hawley Leadership Award for outstanding service as IASC president.

“It has been a blessing to lead such an important and impactful organization,” said King. “I have learned so much, and met people who are now like family. Our work with student council does not stop here, we have to go back to our communities and be the change we want to see.”

Those are more than just words to King, whose latest endeavor is organizing a Youth March for Change that will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday in Gary. King came up with the idea after seeing so many news reports of gun violence in both Gary and Chicago.

Since bringing the idea to Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, King and his planning team have secured participation by churches, schools, law enforcement and civic organizations.

“I just couldn’t sit back and not do anything,” King said. “I wanted my peers to join me in saying ‘enough is enough’ and to stop all of this violence in our community.”

Freeman-Wilson echoed King’s concerns and immediately agreed to support the efforts of the march.

“We are beyond proud of David and his many accomplishments,” said Freeman-Wilson. “He loves Gary and is serious about making a difference. We have to help him with these important goals, and I can definitely see David being president one day.”

Parade marchers and vehicles should convene at Roosevelt High School's rear parking lot at 25th Avenue and Harrison Street by 8:30 a.m.

The Youth March for Change will begin at 25th and Broadway and end at 7th and Broadway. A rally on the steps of City Hall immediately following will feature prayer, vocal performances and several speakers, including elected officials, faith, community and student leaders.

For more information, call (219) 881-1314 or (219) 881-5481. To register an organization to participate, email David King at david.king@iasc.us or Chelsea Whittington at cwhittington@ci.gary.in.us.