‘Save Our Sons’ Summit aims to help at-risk youth

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With violent crime increasing in Jacksonville, efforts are underway to bridge the gap between law enforcement and at-risk young men in Duval County high schools.

Dozens of young men from eight different high schools across the county packed inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown on Friday.

Three hundred young men were chosen to participate in the Save Our Sons Summit, where JSO officers and city leaders worked with at-risk youth, hoping to steer them on a good path.

Nyaire Graves lives on the Westside and was one of the 300 at the summit. He said he has seen a lot of violence in his lifetime.

“We lost students this year,” Graves said. “You’ve got people walking around school crying. They’re holding assemblies.”

Graves participated in several discussions with JSO. He said he appreciated the honest conversation.

“Most of the people here are from the hood, too.” Graves said. “They made their way out. They’re trying to show us the same way.“

Bishop John Guns said Friday’s event is just the first step to help curb the violence in Jacksonville.

He is a part of the drive behind the annual summit.

“We will be going into each of the schools every month to directly engage this group of young men.,“ Guns said. “Helping them to find the right path, the path for their future, so this year’s theme ’What’s Next?' And the goal is to motivate them to go after the right thing.“

As for Graves, he said he’s studying for his ACT’s and plans to head to college when he graduates.

“Do my dream.” Graves said. “I don’t wanna get caught up in no shenanigans. None of that.“

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