NATCHEZ — Today at 6 p.m., local men will gather to discuss problems and find solutions concerning leadership within the youth in our community.

The meeting, Advocacy for the New Generation, will take place at sports bar The BreakRoom, located at 261 D’Evereux Drive.

The event is headed by Javarrea Jones of the Mississippi nonprofit Aftershock Inc. As Jones sees it, society has already lost a whole generation of young, black men; this meeting is his attempt to reverse the trend he perceives.

“We have already lost them,” Jones said. “But the question we have to face as men is: Will we lose the next two or three?”

Tonight’s meeting is open to all men free of charge, regardless of background and with no requirements for expertise. With no clear-cut answer to these issues, Jones said a groupthink approach is the way to tackle problems.

“Just be a man and come … that’s all we ask.”

Identifying problems, Jones said, is equally as important as discussing solutions. In fact, the hope for this meeting is to avoid the pitfall of trying to solve a problem before understanding the nature of that problem.

“I’ve sat in on events where they only discuss the solution. Now, it’s hard when you can only discuss the solution and you can’t identify that particular problem that person is facing,” Jones said. “This particular moment, it’s time to talk about the problems, but also talk about workable solutions.”

To effect change, the masses and those who wield influence must participate alongside the disenfranchised, Jones said.

Those seeking more information about tonight’s event can either reach Jones at 601-946-9521 or at jonesjavarreak@gmail.com, or Patrick Wesley at 601-597-1855 or pat.wesley11@icloud.com.