"As the Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development, I am delighted to announce that I will co-sponsor DC Campaign's First annual Take a Step to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Walk and Rally," says Councilmember Kwame R. Brown.

Teen Pregnancy is in no one's best interest.  Whether it be the young people who have had their dreams deferred because of pregnancy or the taxpayer that must help bear the burden of funding programs and institutions that suport teen parents and their children, everyone in our proud city is affected.

Research shows us that the children of teen parents are more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system, struggle in school as well as turn to substance abuse.  Equally as troubling, research indicates that teen parents are more likely to drop out of high school and the children of teen parents are more likely to become teen parents themselves.

When faced with this sort of destructive cycle it is important that I step in and do everything I can.  That is why I am a so proud to co-sponsor DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy's Take a Step to Prevent Teen Pregnanacy Walk and Rally, May 8, at 10 a.m.  I hope that you will join me in making teen pregnancy a thing of the past and show the youth of this city that we are serious about giving them the best possible chance at success.  This walk will begin at Samuel Comper's Park (Intersection of 11th and Massachusetts Avenue, NW) at 10 a.m. and continue on to the John Wilson Building, (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW) for a rally.

Take a Step to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and help our city become a better place.  I encourage you to register your family, friends or organizations at www.DCCampaign.org and walk with us together for a brighter future in Washington, DC.

Kwame R. Brown