Atlanta funds teen-led effort to expand safe spaces for young people

Atlanta is turning to young people to help create more places where teenagers can gather safely, awarding $50,000 to a pair of local student leaders behind a youth-focused community organization.

The funding will support 17-year-olds Devin Mitchell and Haile Irving, founders of The Spot, an Atlanta-based organization dedicated to promoting community safety and providing positive opportunities for teens. Working alongside city officials, the two will help organize pop-up events and gather feedback from young people about the types of spaces and activities they want to see.

The initiative comes as cities across metro Atlanta continue looking for ways to respond to large gatherings organized through social media. Rather than limiting where teenagers can spend their time, many young people say communities should invest in more places designed for them.

Marietta brothers Yinka and Deji Karunwi said they often run out of options for places to hang out, leaving them to rotate through the same activities or stay home. They said destinations such as skate parks, bowling alleys and Decatur Square offer positive environments where teens can spend time with friends.

The brothers also emphasized that young people should be able to enjoy public spaces as long as they are respectful of others. City leaders hope the partnership with The Spot will encourage more youth-driven programming while giving teenagers a direct role in shaping future community events.