Albany summit teaches forgiveness to youth - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Albany summit teaches forgiveness to youth

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Sanford Hillsman Sanford Hillsman
Chris Warren Chris Warren
Tony Moore Tony Moore

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Some young Albany residents had a life changing day on Saturday after many organizations teamed up to put on a youth empowerment summit at Albany State. They wanted to show Albany kids the importance of forgiveness.

Enthusiastic singing and passionate speeches helped bring these South Georgia kids together. It was all to create a discussion on forgiveness. 

"What we have to show is that there are people in the community who look like them that are not in gangs, are not breaking and entering, that are not robbing," said Sanford Hillsman with 100 black of Albany. "There are people in the community that want to help."

Many of the organizers say they think this is the first step in improving Albany's culture. 

"A lot of what ails our community is that there is unforgiveness within ourselves and unforgiveness within our homes," said sponsor Chris Warren. "If we start mending those homes, mending those individuals, we in turn will make it a better community."

This was the first year for the summit. All of kids seems to be impacted, and so were the adults. 

"12 young people here came and gave their life to Christ," said Tony Moore with the Parents for Change association. "This was not church. This was not one particular denomination. It was just individuals getting together and talking about forgiveness."

Organizers say mentors are needed to invest in south Georgia's kids. And they want them to know the importance of also forgiving yourself. 

"Because if you still have malice in your heart, you still have something going on inside of you," Hillsman said. "You have to get that out. Clear your system and clear your soul. Forgive yourself."

Leaders say that you are never too old or too young to be a mentor, or to have a mentor. 

Organizers brought in speakers from all around the country. They say it's important to allow kids to be themselves while also giving them good role models.

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