DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — At just 13 years old, Ja’Haydon Franklin is proving that leadership has no age limit. The Dothan teen is organizing Kids Day, a free community event aimed at bringing children and families together for an afternoon of fun, encouragement and positive connections.
The event will be held Tuesday, July 28, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Doug Tew Park pavilion in Dothan.
Franklin, who will enter the eighth grade this fall at Dothan Preparatory Academy, said his goal is to create a place where children can enjoy spending time together without the worries many young people face today.
“I want to bring the community together and not having to worry about violence and just enjoy being kids while we can,” Franklin said.
Franklin’s desire to serve the community extends beyond Kids Day. After searching for ways to volunteer, he connected with the Wiregrass Museum of Art, where he now volunteers.
He also credits Dothan Preparatory Academy educator Crystal Green with inspiring him and another teen to create The Helping Teens Foundation, a youth-led organization focused on giving back to the community. The foundation has already completed a successful community can drive and plans to continue serving others.
As the oldest of 10 children, Franklin said his family is one of the reasons he wants to lead by example.
“I want to be a good example for my younger siblings. I’m the oldest,” he said.
Franklin said he worries about the violence affecting teens in the community and hopes his efforts will inspire other young people to make a positive difference in their neighborhoods.
Kids Day will feature free hot dogs, chips, sodas and other refreshments while supplies last, along with activities for children and inspirational messages from guest speakers. Crystal Green will be among those speaking during the event.
Franklin hopes Kids Day is just the beginning of a larger effort to encourage young people to become involved in their communities, support one another and make positive choices.
The free event is open to the public and will be held Tuesday, July 28, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Doug Tew Park pavilion. Families throughout the Wiregrass are invited to attend for an afternoon of fun, fellowship and encouragement.
