Teens seek more choices

Jace Radke

Tuesday, May 8, 2001 | 10:02 a.m.

Ronnie Fleming, 17, says he would like to see more recreation centers and activities in West Las Vegas that cater to young people.

Britney Whaley, 15, plans to go to college. She wants to make sure her peers in West Las Vegas know that college can be an option for them, as well.

The teens are members of the Las Vegas Black Panthers youth committee, developed, in part, to voice the concerns of West Las Vegas' next generation to political leaders such as Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Mildred Walker, a teacher, is serving as a facilitator for the youth committee, which, she said, can be a positive example for the community.

"This group has been formulated through the Black Panthers to become role models in this community," Walker said during a press conference at the West Las Vegas Library. "For too long adults have been telling us what's wrong with our youth, but this committee allows the youth to have a voice.

"These youths want the same things that they have in Summerlin or Green Valley. They want to see palm trees when they go to work out. They want a Foot Locker. They want a Burlington Coat Factory. They want equal representation."

Whaley said some of her peers believe they don't have a means of getting away from the violence and the streets.

"A lot (of young people) don't have the guidance to say no to gangs and drugs," Whaley said. "We need to make them aware of the grants and loans that are out there, and show them that they can go to college and be anything they want."

Fleming said there are ways to battle the violence which has recently gripped parts of West Las Vegas.

"There aren't enough rec centers, and we need more mentors and group counselors," Fleming said. "Those things can help keep kids off the streets and decrease some of the violent activities."