During her lady’s chit-chat lunch with the writer (good friend), Courtney Banks-McLaughlin expressed a strong desire, like never before, to engage in more impactful services aimed at empowering the youth. Banks-McLaughlin eagerly embraced the idea after the writer suggested she get involved in the mentorship program for at-risk youth through Cumberland Co. Communicare.
Upon her visit to meet with staff members through the MORES (Mobile Outreach, Response, Engagement, and Stabilization) Program, they provided detailed information about the agency’s services to assist at-risk youth ages 3-21, including their mentoring program. The three-term Fayetteville city council became even more eager to speak with the youth. The timing was even more purposeful, as Monday, October 21st, was the next available slot to engage with the youth. LIGHT BULB FLASH! From that moment on, she realized that this was a divine plan.
COMMUNICARE’S LIGHTHOUSE OF SERVICES
Communicare’s partnership with the court system has effectively mentored and empowered the youth. Past guests who spoke to the youth include rapper J. Cole, Kwame Molden from SPG BK Watches, and Larry Johnson (the brother of NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson).
Communicare offers various early intervention services specifically designed to assist at-risk youth. The agency’s youth-focused programs include the JAC (Juvenile Assessment Center), FACT (Families and Courts Together), CGPP (Cumberland Gang Prevention Partnership), TMAC (Teens Making a Change), Intensive Service Network, and the Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Mental Health Program. These services aim to strengthen the youth and their families through mental health services, life coping skills, substance use services, court order care, and family assistance support. The programs also assist youth in establishing healthy habits and critical skills, enabling them to avoid risky behaviors that could potentially lead to imprisonment, life-threatening situations, or even death.
SPOTLIGHT – THE MOMENT IS HERE
Banks-McLaughlin prayed for God to use her in a powerful way that would impact the crowd through her testimony. The 41-year-old, aware that her best speeches originate from her passionate and loving heart, chose not to follow a script for her speech. About ten minutes before her speech, she stepped outside to take a deep breath, akin to an athlete in a game tunnel, before stepping onto the big stage just before the event began. She felt even more fuel when she ran into her sorority line sister, Aisha McMillan, outside the hallway, who took her hand in prayer.
Guests, including youth, parents, guardians, mentors, and others, crowded the room. The room was so crowded that guests were scurrying to find chairs. Mentors and her good friend exclaimed, “This is the most people we’ve had at a mentoring event!” The large crowd was a divine setup for what was about to unfold.
The Detroit native initiated the event by inviting guests into a comfortable and warm space, where they interacted with the children and encouraged them to reciprocate the same energy. After her introduction, she asked the guests a serious question about what they would like to see change in this world. One child’s response to her question stood out the most, saying he would eliminate violence. The child wasn’t unaware that his response would be the topic of discussion for her speech.
15 CANDLES
Two-years ago from this date, Banks-McLaughlin, unexpectantly lost her daughter, Coryonna Young, to gun violence at the age of 15. Young had a positive impact on the lives she touched. She was a student at Seventy-First High School with a promising future and aspirations to join the Air Force. Like her mother, she had a bubbly and friendly personality that made people feel welcome. She excelled academically as an A/B honor roll student, and part of her school’s ROTC. She enjoyed assisting those in need, supporting her mother with her younger sisters and her mother’s Girl Scouts troop—even accompanying her on her campaign trail. She also served as a troop member for Girls Scouts.
Display set up at Communicare’s mentoring event in honor of Coryonna Young, October 21, 2024; Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press
Banks-McLaughlin knew she wanted to do something in honor of her daughter’s legacy, but it had to be in God’s timing. Now that the timing was here, she used her story to empower, inspire, and instill hope in the youth, hoping to spark a ‘light’ in the guests’ minds.
GUIDING LIGHT IN DARK SPACES
At the event, Banks-McLaughlin shared her personal experience of her tragic loss, the emotional impact it had on her and her family, and her efforts as a citizen and an elected official to promote change through community engagement and policy decision-making for the safety and betterment of the community. Her story resonated deeply with the audience, fostering open dialogues about what we as a community can do from here and what she can do as an elected official to help troubled youth.
She recounted her experiences growing up in the inner-city of East Detroit, highlighting that children are not destined to be victims of their environment. She encouraged them to pursue opportunities for a better life and to aim for a brighter future whenever possible. Furthermore, she discussed the detrimental effects of music on our culture. Some of the children in the room confessed to having knowledge of guns, which prompted Banks-McLaughlin to delve deeper on that topic and explore positive alternative outlets to channel their emotions.
SUNSHINE OF HOPE
The event was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. Courtney’s inspiring words and personal story brought sunshine and hope to the audience, especially the at-risk youth. She persists in upholding her daughter’s legacy. In April 2023, Governor Roy Cooper appointed Courtney to the Governor’s Crime Commission Committee, where she collaborates with other politicians, state heads, citizens, and representatives from the court system, local governments, and nonprofits on preventive efforts to enhance public safety and submit proposals to the governor to help fund criminal justice programs, such as the juvenile programs at Communicare.
She knew overall that this day wasn’t in vain and was glad to be able to carry on the ‘light’ of her daughter’s legacy. After the event, she felt satisfied as she stood beside her beautiful daughter’s portrait and said, “I did it! Mommy made you [Coryonna] proud.”
RESOURCES: Readers who are interested in seeking services for at-risk youth can visit Cumberland County Communicare at 109 Bradford Ave; Fayetteville, NC or by calling (910) 829-9017 – ask for the MORES Program. Also, visit the state of North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission page to learn more about there mission and goals.
Those effective by gun violence can also click on the highlighted link to learn more about the array of resources for loved ones and survivors affected by gun violence.
These resources, state and federal legislation, local partnerships and non profits are so critical in playing a role in helping with this crisis of gun violence. and in helping with other challenging issues. Sending out prayers , encouragement and strength to Mrs. Courtney Banks-McLaughlin .