BELLE GLADE — I am writing this post both as the project director for Healthier Glades and a Glades resident to address the senseless death of a (local) youth aspiring to do great things in his future.

In our communities, we have experienced a traumatic sense of loss as a result of COVID-19 spreading. Our youth are our future, and as a community we must do everything in our power to protect them at all costs. Our Glades parents are doing their best but they can’t do it alone.

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO PROTECT OUR YOUTH! Condolences to the family of this young man whose life was cut so short.

Outside of vigils and marches, we as a community must take a deep dive into what is happening with our young people that they don’t value life. Is it because of the lack of exposure to opportunities to better themselves? Our youth need a chance to grow in a community where there is hope and optimism, not trauma and despair.

Glades residents (Belle Glade/Pahokee/South Bay/Canal Point): We need a call to action to save our youth. Healthier Glades is open to supporting the community to address the root causes of youth-on-youth violence.

Community input is encouraged and welcomed.

Antoinita (Annie) Ifill is project director of the Healthier Glades Initiative and organization for the Palm Health Foundation, based in Palm Beach County. She can be reached by email at annie.glades@htpbc.org, or by telephone at 561-685-4829.

Editor’s note: The shooting victim’s name is being withheld as his family has invoked Marsy’s Law.