Washington, DC – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today encouraged approximately 100 young male students at Hart Middle School in Ward 8 to believe in themselves and aspire to greatness. The Attorney General was joined by community and business leaders Jahuar Abraham and William Walker in a program at Hart Middle School’s All-Male Anti-Violence Summit.

“Dig deep and believe in yourself.  Understand the greatness you have in yourself and don’t settle for anything less,” Attorney General Racine said.

Mr. Racine encouraged the students to read acclaimed author Ron Suskind’s 1998 book, A Hope in the Unseen:  An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League. The tome relates the struggles and triumphs of District native Cedric Jennings, an academic standout at Ballou Senior High School (adjacent to Hart) who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Brown University and embark on a successful career in public service. Most recently, Mr. Jennings served as the Director of the DC Youth Advisory Council.

The Attorney General’s remarks came as part of a panel discussion organized by former Ward 8 State Board of Education member Trayon White. He also discussed his role as the District’s chief legal officer as well as his plans to improve the District’s juvenile-justice system.

“I want to thank Principal Charlotte Butler, the staff and the students of Hart Middle School for hosting us, and I want to thank Trayon White for the opportunity to participate in this discussion,” Mr. Racine said. “Any opportunity I get to encourage young people to achieve the very best for themselves is an opportunity I will gladly take.”