2015 Annual Report | Page 20

Let’s Talk Youth a On Tuesday, August 4, 2015, the Dallas Police Department hosted Let’s Talk, a forum for youth ages 10 to 15 years old. The goal of the event was to encourage open dialogue between youth and police department representatives, and the mission was accomplished! The event brought out in about 900 adolescents and more than 200 volunteers from across the metropolis. Let’s Talk afforded young people the opportunity to speak freely with officers and other police department personnel to gain information on how to interact with law enforcement. It was a high energy event with speeches and cameos from various celebrities. Former Dallas Cowboy and Super Bowl XXX Most Valuable Player Larry Brown addressed the audience, along with former Dallas Cowboy and current 105.3 The Fan radio personality Jessie Holley. Former Utah Jazz and current ESPN Commentator Stephen Howard graced the stage and offered encouraging words to the young spectators. In addition, there was an appearance by actress Carmen Studer. The day also included several raffle giveaways and dance breaks. The giveaways consisted of an autographed Dirk Nowitzki jersey, Dr. Dre Beats Headphones, an XBOX One and tickets to the George W. Bush Presidential Library. There was dance off between the kids and some police officers; however the collaboration came as one of the hottest hip hop songs echoed throughout the building, Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae). Officers, volunteers and youth alike jumped out of their seats and simultaneously put on a show. Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown got on the stage to perform the dance and he led the way with several officers as his backup dancers. 19