HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Students and community members gathered on the lawn of East Henrico Recreation Center Saturday morning as they looked to help brighten the future for students.
“We’re having a rally today to talk to school board representatives, police officers and other vendors about resources that we can have for students this year," organizer Martina Jones-Smith said.
The student led-movement called "Students For Change" brought out community members and leaders from across the county. It gave students in Henrico the chance to speak with them first hand.
“So I said what about a better idea for me to reach out to some people in the community to pull us all together so that we can show the students in Eastern Henrico community that we’re here to support them and the needs that they have to be successful in the next year," Jones-Smith said.
With Henrico County Schoolspreparing for virtual learning in the fall,students said they were happy the event allowed for open dialogue.
“It makes me feel good that they actually care and that they would take the time out of their Saturday to hear what we have to say and to listen to what we have to say,” Henrico High School student Sanaa Sledge said.
Students said the biggest thing they want to see changed is better resources for East End students in the classroom.
"The separation between East End and West End schools and the difference between those two," Sledge said. "Just making those equal and more opportunity, the same opportunities, same resources stuff like that. Just to diversify schools in this area.”
"We’re all in this together, our theme is unity in the community, so we’re showing that connection," Henrico Ministers Conference President Zynora Manson said.
Organizers also said they are accepting donations and school supplies for students in Henrico County. Those interested can call Henrico Ministries Conference at 804-350-7337 or email zdmansonfulltone9@gmail.com for more information.
