Y2K Academy Principal Addresses Suffolk NAACP Youth Council Parents & Teens

June 24, 2010 - PRLog -- (Suffolk, Virginia) -- Y2K Academy principal and first mentor, Dr. Princella Johnson, encouraged parents and youth of the Nansemond-Suffolk NAACP Branch Youth Council to expect and plan for success through effectively communicated family and vocational goals. The Mother/Daughter & Father/Son Breakfast event was sponsored by the newly formed Suffolk, Virginia NAACP Youth Council, Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Fire Mountain Restaurant, 1206 N. Main Street, Suffolk, Virginia. Dr. Johnson also serves as the publicity chair for the adult division of the organization.

A gathering of concerned fathers and mothers attended the breakfast which had a theme of "Building Stronger Families Through Effective Communication." The event was the brainchild of Youth Council President Tyron Riddick and implemented to help get parents and teens talking about serious issues.

"So many times, youth feel they cannot share their problems with their parents," Riddick said. "This event is designed to help get parents and their children together so they can connect and get the communication flowing."

During the event, local youth recited poetry and sang original music. Suffolk businessman, Louis Kelly, directed the young people to never give up on their dreams. Suffolk NAACP Branch President Charles Gates educated the crowd about the rich and vibrant history of the NAACP and encouraged young and old alike to get involved with making Suffolk a better community.

Gates established the youth council for the branch after taking the helm noting the average age of branch members being 60 and above. The branch held elections in March to develop the core youth leadership, and used Saturday's event to build awareness about the new council.

Dr. Johnson, has taken an active role in supporting the council as it gets off the ground. "Existing community leaders must always be grooming and developing emerging leaders for the next generation," she said. "It is vital for our youth to have strong, experienced leadership at their disposal to ensure that when it is time to pass the baton, they are not only ready, but willing and capable."

Youth interested in joining the new council, may contact Mr. Tyron Riddick via e-mail at tdr_409@yahoo.com or (757) 621-3593.

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Y2K Academy is a Christ-centered youth and parental mentoring agency with the distinction of developing Virginia’s first-ever online mentoring program. Y2K Academy was recently awarded a U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Family Assistance Responsible Fatherhood Capacity Building Grant. The grant is administered by the National Responsible Fatherhood Capacity Building Initiative. For free fatherhood pamphlets and literature in English and Spanish, please contact Dr. Princella Johnson, 757-925-4545 Ext.1003. Visit us: http://y2kacademy.webs.com