#TruColors To Highlight Indy's Standout Youth

Youth violence has become a central focus in Indianapolis, with young people dying from and committing violent crimes.

But, a new effort is attempting to combat the negative by highlighting the positive.

#TruColors is a social media campaign telling stories of Indianapolis youth who are making a difference in their communities by being leaders.

"With all the negative exposure and the negative images of youth in our community lately, it seems that everything is associated with violence and crime. Well, we all know there are kids who are doing positive things and I want to highlight them and give this city a different outlook on what the youth are actually doing, what they actually look like" said Brandon Randall, who organized the initiative. 

Randall also helped coordinate the Stop The Violence Youth Rally downtown in July.  The event was attended by hundreds of people and he thinks it made an impact, but believes sharing stories of the positive happenings on an everyday basis will make a lasting impression.

"No matter how many crimes, no matter how many homicides the city is having, there is still a group of individuals who are fighting for peace, who are fighting for some sort of advocacy of youth, fighting for non-violence," he said.  "Basically, just positive people doing positive things. And, with every event that camaraderie that we have seems to keep getting stronger.

The #TruColors effort is a partnership with Kings Feast, Ian Smith Foundation, and Ladies Under Construction non-profits.  It will highlight teens from all walks of life who are making a difference in school, athletics, theater, and church.

Randall hopes to eventually organize a panel discussion with the youth leaders to discuss strategies and ideas for creating a safer, more positive community.

"If an adult is the only one doing something then it is just adults doing something trying to tell the youth what to do.  But, if the youth are the ones involved, if the youths are the ones sharing their stories to another youth, that is powerful.  It's enlightening and encouraging," he said.  "I think as adults we try to take charge and sometimes it can come across as forced and fake.  But, with other kids it's 100% real and the impact would be real."