Oklahoma City nonprofit leaders are turning the annual Red River Rivalry football game into a community‑building opportunity for local teens. The free watch party, held Saturday at the Garden Oaks Community Center, provides a safe environment where teenagers can enjoy the University of Oklahoma‑University of Texas matchup while participating in activities designed to curb teen gun violence.
Purpose‑driven gathering
“We just figured out what are some things that we can do to fill that need,” said Jabee Williams, program director for LiveFree Oklahoma. The organization, along with other local groups, recognized a gap in safe, constructive options for youth in a city still grappling with teen gun violence. By offering food, entertainment and adult supervision, the event aims to give teens an alternative to unsupervised time that can lead to dangerous situations.
Community partners share the vision
Pivot, another nonprofit focused on violence prevention, hosted a summer panel where teenagers who had been directly affected by gun violence spoke candidly about their experiences. “They said several things. One thing they said is that it’s accessible. They know where to get the guns from. They don’t have a lot of safe things to do,” explained Terrell Johnson, director of the Community and Intervention Center at Pivot. Those insights helped shape the watch‑party concept.
Mentors on the floor
Formerly incarcerated mentor Prayeon Jackson also volunteered his time. Having spent much of his youth behind bars, Jackson now works with the Office of Juvenile Affairs, visiting prisons and speaking to at‑risk youth. “I use what I do as a demonstration that we can come out and become great people,” he said. Jackson believes his presence bridges the age gap, noting, “When you see somebody that’s 20 to 40 years older than you, you don’t think they relate to you.”
What teens can expect
The watch party opens at 1:30 p.m. and runs until the final whistle. Attendees will have access to a large screen for the game, snacks, and a designated area for conversation and mentorship. Organizers stress that the primary goal is to provide a fun, supervised setting, not to turn the event into a political rally.
“I just want them to have fun and eat, and for OU to win,” Johnson added, underscoring the simple, community‑focused nature of the gathering.
Supporting a safer future
While the watch party is a single evening, its organizers view it as part of a broader strategy to reduce teen gun violence through engagement, mentorship, and positive role models. By creating a reliable, enjoyable alternative, they hope to demonstrate that safe, constructive activities are available for Oklahoma City’s youth.
Community members interested in volunteering or learning more about the initiative can contact LiveFree Oklahoma or Pivot through their respective websites.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
