In a 100 Days of Action interview on The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with Jamoni Owens to discuss the importance of youth involvement in community initiatives. Owens, a product of the South Seattle area, shared his personal experiences and insights on building relationships with young people and fostering positive change.

Owens emphasized the significance of establishing trust and genuine connections with youth, stating, "A lot of youth don't trust nobody... It just starts with building that relationship." He highlighted the impact of mentors who are present for the "small things in life," offering guidance and support.

Having been involved with Urban Family since the age of 12, Owens expressed his gratitude for the organization's role in his life. He shared, "They been involved with me since I was 12 years old... showing up for the most important stuff in our life." Now, Owens is preparing to become a mentor for Urban Family, aiming to inspire and empower young people from similar backgrounds.

Trae Holiday commended Owens' commitment to mentorship, acknowledging the unique perspective he brings as someone who has lived through the challenges faced by many youth in the community. Holiday expressed his belief in the power of relatable mentors, stating, "Young folks don't really even respect somebody if they haven't been there, if they didn't live similar kinds of conditions."

The conversation also touched on the broader issue of community involvement and the role of individuals who may not have firsthand experience with the challenges faced by underserved youth. Owens encouraged these individuals to "give them a chance," emphasizing the potential for positive impact through open-mindedness and willingness to engage.

The interview concluded with Holiday expressing his heartfelt appreciation for Owens' insights and dedication to making a difference. He affirmed his support for Owens and other young leaders working to create positive change in their communities.

For more information on the 100 Days of Action campaign visit kingcounty.gov.

Tune into The Day With Trae this week at 11am for insightful discussions addressing gun violence in our communities.