United Way of Southwest Georgia Youth United’s 2nd annual Hoodie Ball this weekend

ALBANY, Ga. – The United Way of Southwest Georgia is bringing back an event for middle and high school students to express themselves.

In partnership with their Youth United program, the United Way will be putting on their second annual hoodie ball this weekend for Albany teens in eighth through twelfth grade.

Organizer, Jade Ragin as well as a couple of members of Youth United, spoke about how they’re planning on making this year’s event bigger than the inaugural one last year.

“So, it’s the same thing as always. You know, the students have restricted outfits at schools and a lot of times the places that they go restricts what they do and what they wear and how they embrace their selves and their personalities. So, once again, it’s something that’s just as important as it was last year for us to raise awareness that they deserve a space for them to be creative, lead them,” said Jade Ragin, Director, Special Projects.

“It means a lot to me because at one point I was afraid to wear my hoodie because I’m being afraid to be dress coded and wear my hoodie on at school or things of that nature,” said Melvin Self, Vice President, Youth United.

“I am very excited about this event, because not only does it give kids a chance to express themselves, but it also allows them, you know, what Jade said, it’s their culture and what we came from. Because, you know, in school we can’t wear hoodies,” said Dai’Lynn Jones, President, Youth United.

The Youth United Hoodie Ball will take place this Saturday at the J. Lane Theater at 313 Pine Avenue in Downtown Albany.

Brian Roche reporting.

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