This Sunday, the Quad Cities will join a nationwide movement to support Black youth. At Douglas Park in Rock Island, a hundred local Black men will participate in iMatter Rally 2020.
Tracy White is the founder of Well Suited, a non-profit that pairs African American boys with mentors in the community. She usually holds outreach events in schools, but after COVID-19 struck, she had to get creative. The outdoor, socially-distant rally is a way of showing these boys that they're not alone.
"Just to share a message of brotherhood, of unity, and of healing, and to really send the message home that there is a group of men who live in your community, who understand what you're going through because they've gone through it themselves."
Faith leaders, motivational speakers, and former police officers will speak about racial justice and healing.
The boys will receive a care package that includes an iMatter hat, bracelet, and face mask, as well as daily affirmations and a tip card on how to interact with police.
