The Charleston Youth Task force was founded in 2002 during a period when youth violence and a high number of youth deaths were occuring in the City of Charleston. Councilman Wendell Gilliard organized a forum at Burke High School to get input from the community on how to best address the critical issue. One of the suggestions from the youth at this form was the formation of a youth task force where the youth in the community could discuss issues in the community, and offer suggestions on how to address them. Since that founding, each year the Task Force has presented a panel of youth and adults in a forum to find out what issues the community feels need addressing. Some of the projects included writing a script each year addressing these issues, followed by staged readings, then a full staged production for the general public, but particulary for the students at Burke High School. Each year the productions are seen by at least 2500 students and parents. Their annual Block Party proves to be a hit with the community, and a great opportunity to share information about existing resources in the community that may meet many of their needs. The event is also supported by businesses in the community.

Charleston Youth Task Force Videos pt.1 and pt.2

rash of youth violence in the Charleston area, gives teens an opportunity to promote solutions to curb and prevent youth violence...Charleston youth task force upward bound

“Romello”

Written and Directed By Art Gilliard
In Collaboration With
Students from Charleston County Public Schools

Sponsored By

The City of Charleston and
The Charleston County School District

May 10th and 11th, 2001
Burke Fine Arts Auditorium
244 President Street
Charleston, South Carolina

A Word From The Director

“Romello” finds it’s origin in a resolution presented to the City of Charleston by The Honorable Wendell Gilliard, a member of Charleston City Council, declaring March
5, 2001 Drugs and Guns Awareness Day.

Councilman Gilliard was responding to a rash of incidents in our community and
across the country, where youngsters and adults were being hurt or murdered as a
result of drugs and guns.

Being acutely aware of the crisis in our community, the City of Charleston and the Charleston County School District joined forces to re-iterate the dangers of drugs and guns in the community. Art Gilliard, Artistic Director of Art Forms & Theatre Concepts, Inc. was then commissioned to produce a play, using art as therapy on the guns and violence theme. The play, “Romello” is a result of that venture.