New Grayson Center Aims To Bring Hill District Youth Together
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The official ribbon cutting was proof of a dream fulfilled.
It marked the opening of the Jeron Xavier Grayson Community Center in Pittsburgh's Hill District.
"After losing my son Jeron Xavier Grayson on Oct. 17, I said I would never have another great day, but today is really a great day," said founder Rev. Glenn Grayson.
Four years ago, Grayson, a student at Hampton University in Virginia, was shot and killed while attending a party near the California University of Pennsylvania campus.
His father, Glenn, is the pastor of Wesley Center AME Zion Church was already operating the Center that Cares in the church. His dream was to turn the old Ozanam Cultural Center into a safe haven for teenagers in Jeron's memory.
"It will offer youth and young adults an opportunity to socialize, gather and transform their lives," said Jerolyn Smith with the Center that Cares.
More than $2 million was raised to renovate the building. It will provide access to computer labs, a game room and a basketball court. One of the themes will be to never touch a gun.
"I'm tired of burying young people senselessly," said Grayson. "And I hope this building will draw young people, will provide positive incentive and direction for them."
"Today we pray for peace for Pittsburgh," said Mayor Bill Peduto. "We pray for an end to the violence and an opportunity and a hope for children to give them something better than they've been given in the past."
Former Pitt basketball star Sam Clancy, a Hill District native, remembers the nurturing he received at the Ozanam Cultural Center. He thinks the center will do wonders for the community.
"I think this building is a stepping stone, because the Hill District needs it," said Clancy.
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