EVAC
EVAC is a movement and a brotherhood of hope. Tired of being classified as “at-risk,” we founded The EVAC. More of a movement rather than organization or program, we are simply a teacher and group of 15 “at-hope” African-American young men from Jacksonville, Florida, dedicated to channeling our painful personal tragedies into positive change and needed hope for our classmates, community, and world. We focus our efforts particularly in the area of juvenile justice/crime. Meeting regularly with officials, we present youth concerns and solutions based on the unique blend of our personal stories, hard data, and knowledge from direct partnerships with local/national juvenile justice leaders.
Website link: http://www.evacmovement.com/
Twitter: @evacmovement
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvacMovement/
Workshop Title:
From at-risk to at-hope. Channeling Painful Tragedy to Positive Change
Workshop Description:
Sacrificing daily, loving relentlessly, and fighting fearlessly – these are the ingredients that have made the EVAC Movement successful. By examining Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and sharing life stories, 15 young men from Jacksonville, Florida’s Lee High School have moved from at-risk to at-hope creating a brotherhood that is unstoppable. Growing up in a city facing tremendous challenges with juvenile justice, persistent racism and disproportionality in youth arrests and civil citations, and violence amongst youth, the EVAC Movement has taught city leaders including the State Attorney, the Superintendent of schools, the Mayor, a U.S. Federal Judge, representatives from the Public Defender’s office, officials from the local Sheriff’s Office, and their community how to improve youth relations with police and the current juvenile justice system. The brothers of the EVAC Movement have met President Obama, conferenced with his advisors around juvenile justice leading to an official proclamation on the issue, met with Civil Rights Movement leader Rep. John Lewis, testified before Congress about their experiences, appeared on the front page of the New York Times, won the Harvard Kind Schools Challenge, and several other awards from their community. This workshop will present their story and the efforts that have led to their success with the hope of inspiring EVAC Movements nationwide.
Link to Media Appearances:
- News4Jax. (2017, August). TEDxJacksonville announces 13 speakers for 2017 conference.
- Duvall, T. (2017, August). Federal Judge Davis reaches out to city official about EVAC Movement.
- Kilbridge, L. (2017, July). Future unclear for Lee High leadership class lauded by Mayor Curry.
- Osciadacz, A. (2017, June). Jacksonville students win KIND Schools Challenge
- Moyer, C. (2017, June). Lee High School students win national kindness award: EVAC program brings students together and reduces violence.
- Matter, B. (2017, June). Lee High School students win National Kind Schools Challenge with ‘Your Story is Mind’ project.
- Duvall, T. (2017, June). Lee High School students win national Harvard contest for promoting kindness on campus.
- Matter, B. (2017, April). Jacksonville students start movement of hope for at-risk youth.
- Purdy, J. (2017, March). State attorney meets with Lee High School leadership group: EVAC learns how justice system works from the bench.
- Duvall, T. (2017, March). State attorney Melissa Nelson challenges youth group to offer solutions to at-risk youth.
- Dionne, B. (2017, March). Harvard University appoints Jacksonville teen to youth advisory board.
- Gardner, L. (2017, February). Mayor praises efforts of Lee High leadership group: Curry wants to spread program to other Jacksonville schools.
- Duvall, T. (2017, February). Lee High School class gains national recognition for efforts in youth advocacy.
- Amiker, F. (2017, January). Lee High School students aim to bridge gap between youth, police: EVAC movement aims to create positive change for communities.
- Purdy, J. (2016, November). Lee High School students meet President Obama at UNF: Students recognized for efforts in positive change for communities.
- Duvall, T. (2016, September). Jacksonville teenaged to participate in congressional briefing on juvenile justice reform.
- Tucker, B. (2016, September). Lee High students hope to bring big change on Capitol Hill: EVAC Movement wants spotlight on juvenile justice system.
- Eckholm, E. (2016, August). Court costs entrap nonwhite, poor juvenile offenders.
- News4Jax. (2016, June). Students improving relations with police.
- Fouraker, C. (2016, June). Lee students want to change violence in school, community.
- Spruill, L. (2016, June). Robert E. Lee students lead discussion to stop crime.
- Justice, K. (2016, June). Lee High School students want to see real change in community: Students hope they’ll impact decisions made at City Hall, Sheriff’s Office.
- Bourne, J. (2016, April). 2 Lee students going to DC for police roundtable.