MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The fight to end violence among youth continues and one Memphis organization says it starts with representation and transparency.  The Hickory Ridge Mall was buzzing with opportunity Friday morning. Eager young faces were greeted with a look into their possible futures.  ( Photo by: WREG Staff)(Photo by: WREG Staff)(Photo by: WREG Staff) "We want to show students and young adults that it's more than one way to get to the bag or get to success legally," said Ralph Thomas Jr., Founder and CEO of Always Motivating Myself Positively Daily [AMMPD] Inc. AMMPD is a slogan Thomas says he's lived by for years, and he's hoping to instill that same motto into youth across the city. In collaboration with the LIA House, which is another organization dedicated to changing lives, they hosted a college and career fair. Thomas says the fair is just one way he's hoping he can help teens secure their future while also saving their lives.  "Students can only be what they see, and if they're not exposed to anything outside of their norms, then how can they reach that success," Thomas said. 📡 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. 📧 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. Crime among juveniles continues to be a problem. According to Juvenile Court, more than 3,100 cases have been heard at the Youth Justice and Education Center since April of 2024. As a schoolteacher for 4 years, Thomas says he believes many kids go down a criminal path due to lack of exposure.  "They really just want love. They want other things to do. They want opportunities," Thomas said. Noah Moore and Ernest Morris, who were both speakers at the event, say the solution to getting more kids out of the streets starts with proper representation.  "I believe we make that relatable and attainable by showing them that we were in the same positions that you were. So, even though you may see me with the suit on or with the blazer on, I was sitting in that same seat that you were," said Noah Moore, Law Officer of Noah J. Moore. "We don't have to be boxed into what the city is known for, or we don't have to be boxed the you know, what the community or people around me or my family is known for. But there are other opportunities," said Ernest Morris III, Consultant. Organizers say roughly 400 students attended. You can learn more about the organization here. ...read more read less