Fearless in the storm: The Terrance Kelly Youth Foundation

The Richmond Globe
Commentary by Shannon Flattery
Photos by Ellen Gailing

Saturday’s sold-out Second Annual Terrance Kelly Youth Foundation fundraiser at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club brought together over 300 people, and at $50 a seat, that’s some very good energy at work to bring peace to the streets of Richmond.

The Terrance Kelly Youth Foundation (TKYF) grew out of tragedy and great loss. De La Salle High School graduate Terrance Kelly was fatally shot while sitting in his car in the Iron Triangle on Aug. 12, 2004, two days before the teen was to leave for the University of Oregon on a full scholarship. Terrance’s father, Landrin Kelly, later started the foundation as a way to help guide Richmond youth in the positive way that he had guided his son. The programs developed by the group help Richmond’s youth see themselves differently and choose paths that will help them realize fulfilled and meaningful lives.

There is an African proverb that reminds us that, “If we fail to initiate our youth into the center of the tribe, they will burn down the village just to feel the heat.”

We have to admit that as a country, as a nation, as a city, we have failed our children. And we have to take responsibility. The TKYF has stepped up, and with the numbers in attendance at Saturday night’s event, it seems many want to share in that responsibility.

Special guest Ronnie Lott, a 49ers Hall of Famer, was full of the spirit that evening. At one point he asked everyone to hold hands and to understand that the spirit of holding onto to one another — and really seeing one another — will allow us to make it to the other side of this violent storm.