Bon Jovi Kicks Off Jazz Fest with a Visit to Café Reconcile!

It was a great day for Café Reconcile as we welcomed rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Tulane President Scott Cowen and others for a community “Listening Session” with youth from Cafe Reconcile, the Drop-in Center, Youth Empowerment Project, UNITY for the Homeless, and Liberty’s Kitchen.  The group came representing the White House Council for Community Solutions, of which both Bon Jovi and Cowen are members.  Established by President Obama in late 2010, the Council seeks to help identify successful approaches to solving some of the nation’s most challenging problems.  The Council is deeply interested in helping to address the needs of our nation’s disengaged and underserved youth.

Prior to speaking with the students, the distinguished guests met with the leaders of all of the organizations represented. They used the time to gather information and ideas from people who are “on the ground every day” fighting to improve the lives of underserved youth.

In the listening session, 14 local youth from highly at-risk communities in New Orleans had an opportunity to share their ideas and concerns with the Council members.  The purpose of the session was to let the young people engage in “real talk” with people who have the power to affect change.  Issues of education, violence, law enforcement, and family life were discussed.  Notes from the hour long conversation will be shared with the entire Council, and with President Obama directly.

Additional listening sessions are scheduled to take place both in New Orleans and across the country in the weeks and months ahead.  We are honored to be invited to participate in this important conversation.

For more information on the White House Council for Community Solutions, click here.