U.S. Department
of Justice
White House Champions of Change
Attorney General Lynch Speaks at the White House Champions of Change, Building Bridges Between Youth and Law Enforcement
Photo Credit: Lonnie Tague for the Department of Justice
Attorney General Lynch and Erica Lofton. Ms. Lofton is the 14-year-old founder of Girls in Action, Inc., an organization that promotes leadership among young girls. In response to violence in her community, Erica testified before the Milwaukee Common Council and successfully advocated for the naming of May as Violence Prevention Month. Erica then used money she had earned from a talent show to purchase bracelets that say “I don’t commit violence, I speak out against it.” She also reached out to local businesses, agencies, and schools to distribute the bracelets while encouraging individuals in her community to pledge their commitment to nonviolence. As a result of these efforts, over 2,000 people have received this bracelet and taken the pledge, including Mayor Tom Barrett, several Milwaukee Alderman, members of the Milwaukee Police Department, church leaders, Milwaukee Public School students, and others.
Photo Credit: Lonnie Tague for the Department of Justice
“These outstanding individuals exemplify the selfless men and women across the United States who are asking what they can do to improve the lives of others – and then doing it.” —Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch
Photo Credit: Lonnie Tague for the Department of Justice
The White House honored seven pairs of young people and law enforcement officials as “Champions of Change” who are building bridges between youth and law enforcement, while improving public safety.