Inspiring the Next Generation: The 16th Annual Teen Empowerment Rally
An eye-catching and rousing mix of personalities from sports, music, comedy, and media awaits teenagers converging on Chaifetz Arena this Thursday morning, April 24, for the annual Teen Empowerment Rally presented by Better Family Life (BFL) Inc.
“The Time is Now” is the theme of this year’s 9 a.m. – Noon rally. Marquette King-Connors, VP of Youth, Family, and Clinical Services at BFL, promises the 16th annual event will be bigger and better than ever.
As always, the youth-focused and youth-driven event is designed to empower, engage, and educate middle and high school youth in grades 7-12. The lively rally includes a variety of entertainment, speakers, and resources related to teens’ health and well-being. There is a sense of urgency this year.
“We are intentional every year, but even more so,” King-Conners says. “This year, in the climate that we’re in, “The Time is Now” rally title is important.”
“We want to make sure our youth are empowered to know what their strengths are, what their gifts are, what their superpowers are, because the time is now for them to start exercising those gifts and talents that are embedded so deeply within them to be all they can be,” she says.
The main stage this year will include East St. Louis native and Olympian Dawn Hamilton Nelson, a track and field athlete who specializes in the 100-meter hurdles. She was the gold medalist in the event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the silver medalist in the 2012 London Olympic Games, and the 2017 World Championships.
Additionally, the main stage will also feature saxophonist Rhoda G and violinist Bell Darris, as well as Fresh The Clowness. Media personality Princess Stormm will host the rally.
The BFL Teen Empowerment Rally is an annual event designed to empower youth and inspire them to make responsible choices, develop healthy relationships, and be positive role models in their communities. It is organized by the BFL Youth Department.
Teens from the St. Louis area, including public and private schools, are welcome to attend. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children to learn more about BFL’s programs and support their youth. BFL collaborates with local schools, community organizations, and leaders to make the rally a success.
Terrance L. Cauley, Senior Director of BFL’s Youth, Family and Clinical Services, says youth initiatives at BFL aim to drop “Knowledge nuggets” in the minds and hearts of black youth to help them navigate around the negativity that has invaded the neighborhoods and community.
“I encounter far more kids who are not involved in that kind of activity,” Cauley says. “They have an opinion about it and don’t want to be categorized with that group.”
Cauley says the principal goal of youth programs at BFL is to instill awareness in them that they can build on. The Youth Leadership Council, for example, will be presented at the teen rally. Last year the group met with the mayor, state representatives and a national monitor from the federal government to broaden their perspective.
“That’s our intent to have a group of youth – their peers – who represent their interests and voice in areas you typically will not find them.”
Data specialist Roy Harris, BFL’s Compliance and Strategic Director, puts together spreadsheets and handles other “nuts and bolts” functions to make the event go smoothly. The teen rally is about exposure to showcase that they’re part of something big and enjoyable.
“There’s a sense of community and fun that’s not offered to them on a normal basis,” Harris says. “You can have wholesome excitement without the current norm of what they’re exposed to, reminding them that they are young but are empowered.”
The Teen Empowerment Rally is a prelude to May’s Workforce Empowerment Month at Better Family Life. It will be a powerful time of connection, growth, and transformation, says Ida Roundtree, BFL’s Senior Director of Workforce Development.
“Centered around the theme ‘Boots on the Ground,’ this year’s celebration emphasizes the importance of being present, engaged, and active in the work of uplifting our communities,” Roundtree explains.
“More than just a series of events, Empowerment Month brings together individuals, families, and leaders in personal development, employment training, job placement, and financial literacy,” she continues. “It’s about taking real steps—BOOTS ON THE GROUND—to change lives, build futures, and create lasting impact from the inside out.”
Founded in 1983, Better Family Life is a 501(C)3 not-for-profit community development corporation based in St. Louis, MO, that works to stabilize inner-city neighborhoods. BFL’s vision is to reduce intergenerational poverty through a robust workforce, housing, youth leadership development programs, and increased economic opportunities for populations residing in urban core communities.
For more information about the Teen Empowerment Rally and Workforce Empowerment Month in May, visit https://www.betterfamilylife.org/. Or call 314-367-3440.
