New Youth Group to Hold 1st Meeting

The Antelope Valley branch of a youth organization co-founded by civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks will hold its first meeting Saturday.

The Detroit-based Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development offers young people ages 11 to 17 multicultural programs in self-confidence, leadership skills, public speaking, career counseling and researching the civil rights movement.

The nonprofit organization also sponsors a “Pathways to Freedom” trip each summer that traces the route of the Underground Railroad.

This marks California’s fourth branch of the organization, including one that meets in Lake View Terrace.

Mike Powell, who will lead the new Antelope Valley branch, said he hopes youth of all races will join the program.

“The Antelope Valley has seen a tremendous change in its demographics over the last 10 years and actually there aren’t a lot of youth-oriented activities,” he said. “I think the program fills a strong need for activities that reach out to the kids.”

There is no cost to participate in the local program. Participants will organize fund-raisers to pay for monthly field trips.

The initial meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Palmdale YMCA, 39251 10th St. West. Generally, meetings will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the last Saturday of the month, in addition to the field trip.

For more information, call (661) 948-7154.