By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Each year, the community gathers for the Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum to exchange crucial information and engage positively with the Black community and its youth.
Founded by Judges Charles V. Johnson, Norma S. Huggins, and LeRoy McCollough, and supported by prominent legal professionals and community-based organizations in Washington state, the forum offers young people a unique opportunity to interact with law enforcement and legal professionals, including judges and attorneys. They learn about their legal rights, how to interact with law enforcement, and gain insights into various social issues and how to address them.
According to organizers, the primary goal of the forum is to “expose” Black youth to potential careers within the legal profession and “establish and maintain connections between the community’s youth and participants in the justice system.”
“It takes a village to raise a child, but the corollary is equally important: the ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people,” says Judge McCullough. “After all, it is easier to build strong youth than to fix broken men.”
Nathan Nanfelt, a practicing attorney who presides over the forum’s steering committee, attended this year’s event and witnessed its continued success over the years.
“If numbers tell the story, then this year’s Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum event was a resounding success,” says Nanfelt. “The Tukwila Community Center was packed to capacity with youth, law enforcement personnel, judges, and lawyers. The event featured the usual sources of inspiration, connection, and record-setting prizes, including 40 tablets and laptops, and a bicycle.”
According to Nanfelt, the connection between participants and volunteers began at the front door, where Zeta Phi Beta Sorority volunteers warmly welcomed program participants. A live DJ and breakfast greeted everyone in the plenary program room, where youth and adults mingled with legal luminaries.
The survival of Black people in America can hinge on their knowledge of the law. Organizers believe that if Black families and their children have a proper understanding of the language and procedures of law enforcement officials and the legal system, their children will know how to respond when interacting with law enforcement in the community, at school, and at home, ultimately keeping them safe.
For many, this process starts with the Youth and Law Forum and continues with family and community discussions about the do’s and don’ts of interacting with law enforcement.
“That’s why we’ve been organizing the Law Forum for 33 years—to strengthen and protect the village,” says McCullough. “Through our parallel sessions, we aim to empower parents and guardians to create safe, nurturing, and empowering environments for the youth.”
Nanfelt believes that the event, which brings together numerous volunteers and resources, demonstrates the potential of the community when it unites.
“There were fourteen community organizations and entities, such as the Department of Public Defense, the African Leaders Community Health Board, and law schools, inviting passersby to engage in conversation and pick up some generous swag,” says Nanfelt. “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority invited eligible voters to participate in voting as part of the festive, fair-like tabling event.”
Additionally, organizers presented awards to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the community. This year’s Founders Award Honoree was Noe Merfeld, the outgoing three-time Youth and Law Forum Chair/Co-chair. Awards were also presented to long-time forum supporters, including the Loren Miller Bar Association, the LINKS (Washington Chapter), The Seattle Medium, and the Washington Court Minority and Justice Commission. Former Seattle Seahawk, Doug Baldwin, recognized youth as leaders and catalysts for positive change, drawing from his experiences in business, athletics, and faith.
“The Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum brings the community together to discuss a shared vision for our future, with legal rights and civic engagement at the forefront,” reflects Honoree Merfeld. “This year, we had over 250 youth, parents, and volunteers register for the 33rd Annual Youth and Law Forum—the largest turnout yet. We were delighted to welcome back many returning participants and even more newcomers. Thanks to the planning committee and volunteers who contributed to the event’s tremendous success.”
Forum Co-chair Erika Evans used her platform to inspire young individuals by having them recite an inspirational quote she received from her grandmother.
“The room was filled with hope and inspiration,” says Evans. “Over 250 young individuals were paired with a diverse group of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and police officers. They were inspired by us—leaders who mirror their own identities, sowing the seeds of belief that they, too, can achieve anything they set their hearts and minds to. A highlight for me was the concluding moment, where I invited all the youths to stand and affirm a powerful verse my grandmother instilled in me as a young girl: ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am brilliant, I am favored, I am beautiful, I am loved. I will work hard; I will accomplish everything that I put my mind and heart to.’”