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Community members and court workers rallied on May 9 to save the Kenyon Juvenile Justice Center, the only juvenile court in South LA. Judges are targeting Kenyon, along with seven additional LA County Courts, for closure in June.
Dozens of people marched and held signs reading: “Save Kenyon, Protect Our Kids” and “Keep Kenyon Open.” Speakers talked about what Kenyon means to the surrounding community and how closing it would hurt kids and their parents who use it.
Terri Roberts, the mother of a young man who Kenyon helped several years ago, spoke out: “My son was
troubled. He was going down a bad road. But Kenyon changed his life. Now, he’s in
the U.S. Army protecting our country. I’m proud of him, but he couldn’t have turned around without Kenyon.”
“The impact of court closures will be devastating to everyone. That’s why we’re coming together–community groups, unions and everyone. Our community deserves better. We’re going to save Kenyon!”
-Rosie Martinez, Retired LA County Nurse and SEIU 721 member
State Sen. Curren Price, also a candidate in the LA City Council’s 9th District, attended and spoke: “Closing this court is undemocratic. That’s why I’m here. To keep Kenyon open for our community.”
Other organizations supporting the rally included People for Community Improvement and Watts Labor Community Action Committee. The SEIU 721 Social and Economic Justice Caucus, Veterans Caucus and Latino Caucus also sent members and helped organize the event.
Next Steps
On Friday, May 17, the LA City Council will vote on a resolution to keep Kenyon and other courts in the City of Los Angeles open. Read the resolution and be there to support.
Friday, May 17, 10 a.m.
Los Angeles City Hall
Council Chambers, Room 340
200 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles 90012
-Keep Kenyon Juvenile Justice Center and all LA County courts open.
-Hold public hearings. We deserve to have a say.
-The judges should work with our community to find a better alternative.
For more information, contact SEIU 721 Worksite Organizers Wanda Bellamy: (213) 610-2146 or Earl Thompson: (213) 300-5529.