'We want you safe.' P.O.S.S.E. teaches LINC students leadership, anti-violence — with a pledge and celebration
Shootings, crossfire, accidental deaths, lasting grief after the curious pull of a trigger.
The P.O.S.S.E. anti-violence team went to LINC classrooms this spring to educate and recruit child leaders to be the ambassadors for a healthy summer, safe from the danger of gun violence.
“I need you all to be the superheroes that save somebody’s life,” P.O.S.S.E. Executive Director Ossco Bolton said over and over to students in the Kansas City, Hickman Mills, Grandview and Center school districts and Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy Charter School.
“I need you all to be leaders.”
With a mix of true stories — Bolton’s own family tragedy of his nephew accidentally shot at 11 months marked a litany of tales of violence — and a blend of inspiring lessons and songs, the P.O.S.S.E. program gave students strategies and courage.
When they were ready, the students signed their names to a pledge to not touch guns and to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe.
And for the end of the school year, many of the LINC students from all of the participating districts rolled off of school buses into the auditorium at Kansas City’s Manual Career Technical Center to celebrate with motivational speakers and songs.
“I love seeing what you’re doing with LINC,” Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves told the crowd. “I want you to know that your police department wants you to be successful. We care about you. We want you to be healthy and we want you to be safe.”
“Every day,” said Kansas City Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Harrison Neal, “you have the chance to lead with kindness, courage and wisdom.”
Said LINC President and CEO Janet Miles-Bartee: “We recognize you today as true leaders. Remember the things you were taught through P.O.S.S.E. and your LINC staff and your school district staff.
“This summer,” she said, “remember to be, what?—”
“Safe!” students shouted back.
And Miles-Bartee said, “be safe.”
Several performers delilvered messages through song, including Lil’ Cupid’s plea to “stop the violence,” and the P.O.S.S.E. anthem by “Mr. Willie” Tallie:
There’s no stopping us. There’s no giving up. There’s no breaking us. Stronger when we’re together, together we can, together we stand, forever your friend.
POSSE up.
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