First-ever youth council forms to advise city leaders
May 5, 2021

KNOXVILLE - The City of Knoxville’s inaugural Mayor’s Youth Council consists of 17 young people who share a desire to be more involved with local government and decision making.

“Young people are our future, and their perspective is invaluable to the City,” says Mayor Indya Kincannon. “I look forward to finding ways we can implement the ideas the Youth Council brings to the table.”

“We are so excited to work with such a diverse group of young changemakers,” says Kathy Mack, Community Engagement Manager in the City’s Department of Community Empowerment. Mack heads the Empower Knox initiative, which works to build successful life outcomes for Knoxville’s youth and will coordinate and support the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Earlier this year, Empower Knox invited youth ages 12 to 20 years old to attend one of two virtual forums to discuss their thoughts on City government, its role in their lives and the community at large. Attendees identified strategies for both improving communication with the City and Knoxville’s long term growth. Many participants also identified violence, inequities, transportation and activities for young people as their top concerns.

The council will meet routinely, starting this summer. Primary activities will include education on municipal services, collaborations with peers and youth-serving nonprofit organizations, and strategic planning.

“Education and team-building will be instrumental in sustaining a solid group,” Mack says. “They are from different backgrounds and experiences. It’s important for them to build a strong foundation, so they can start moving forward together. Our government is built on collective change, work that our young people are excited to be a part of.”

Members of the City’s first Youth Council are listed by school and grade:

Austin East High School
Aaliyah Rice, 12th grade
Kyniya Hutchison, 11th grade
Maleek Bishop, 11th grade
Yasmine Croom, 10th grade
Tylan Baker, 9th grade

Bearden Middle School
Darian Macon, 8th grade
Farragut High School
Nolan Du, 12th grade Sam Kittrell, 11th grade

Farragut Middle School
Camilla Mata, 8th grade

Holston Middle School
Deion Moten, 8th grade

Richard Yoakley High School
Aniya McIlwaine, 11th grade
Destiny Laurence, 10th grade

Vine Middle School
Shermija Whitehead, 8th grade

Webb School of Knoxville
Molly Crawford, 10th grade

West High School
Coogie Person, 10th grade
Owen Davis, 9th grade
Henry Foster-Tobin, 9th grade

Visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/EmpowerKnox for more information about the Youth Council.