Salaam Speaks at First Empower Youth Summit

NEWBURGH – Dr. Yusef Salaam, a New York City Councilman, helped Newburgh leaders kick off the inaugural Empower You Summit Saturday in a former church on Liberty Street in Newburgh.

Salaam, a motivational speaker and poet, talked of his journey in finding out who he is.
He was the keynote speaker among presenters who spoke on empowerment through education and social justice to an audience of about 150 people.

Having served seven years in prison, Salaam was exonerated after being convicted of the of rape of a female jogger in 1989. He and four others teenagers, initially known as the Central Park Five, became the Exonerated Five in 2002. The incident prompted ads, including a full-page ad in The New York Times by Donald Trump, who called for the reinstatement of the death penalty to decrease crime.

Salaam credited his mother with giving him the strength not to participate in what the system wanted him to do. She told him to be a soldier. He said he still carries her words. He referenced his approach to life in his book, Better, not Bitter: Living on Purpose in the Pursuit of Racial Justice.

Salaam quoted author James Baldwin: “The victim who can articulate the situation of the victim has ceased to be a victim: he or she has become a threat.”

The audience applauded his lengthy hip hop poem with the theme – I want to be one of life’s collaborators. They enthusiastically related to his positive message.

The “Empower You Summit” is designed to educate, encourage and uplift the Newburgh community to overcome obstacles to obtain success in life. Using the motto, “Success is on Me,” the summit leaders foster the belief that people can accomplish their purpose and fulfill their goals.

Host Robert McLymore, a Newburgh Councilman, honored a number of community members for their leadership.