Rep. Sykes encourages young women to choose hope at MLK youth symposium

U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes spoke Jan. 17 at the Power, Love & Justice MLK Weekend Youth Symposium in Akron, urging girls and young women to recognize their worth and take part in service and leadership activities.

U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes addressed a room of students, educators and community leaders Jan. 17 at the John R. Buchtel Community Learning Center in Akron during the Power, Love & Justice MLK Weekend Youth Symposium. She spoke about recognizing worth, embracing service and claiming space in places of decision-making. Sykes recounted how her education in Akron strengthened her confidence and described early challenges entering the Ohio Statehouse as a legislator. The event gathered local leaders, health professionals and facilitators for a day focused on leadership, wellness and life readiness. Key details: - Sykes led the audience through positive affirmations and shared an account of being stopped by security early in her legislative career, saying she was once told she did not "look like a legislator." - The symposium was themed "The Power of Infinite Hope: Comfortable in Your Skin" and served girls and young women ages 13 to 24. - Organizers said breakout sessions were designed from focus groups with local girls so topics reflected participants' interests. - Breakout topics included college and career readiness, mental health and emotional wellness, healthy relationships and hygiene and skin care. - Speakers included Akron Public Schools Superintendent Mary Outley, community faith leaders and local journalists, and the youth program was part of a larger MLK weekend that included concerts and a citywide volunteer initiative. Summary: The symposium emphasized confidence-building, mentorship and service as ways to support young women's leadership and well-being. Organizers described the event as part of broader MLK weekend programming and said the community intends to continue efforts that connect generations and amplify young women's voices.