Muskegon organization centers youth, community ahead of election [Video]

The Muskegon County-based organization held its second annual “Rap w/ Ya Rep” event in Muskegon Heights on Saturday.

The event brought together community leaders to talk about polarization, lack of trust in the government and leadership, gentrification and affordable housing. 

Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten and State Representative Will Snyder were supposed to be keynote speakers, but with Vice President Harris’ campaign stop in Detroit, they were not able to make it. 

President and CEO of Thredz.org Marria McIntosh said these events are especially important to amplify youth and marginal voices within the Black, Indigenous, and Latine majority communities. 

“They’re feeling like they really don’t have a seat at the table,” she said. “And this is an opportunity where we’re bringing candidates together, …