Civil rights issues and social justice were the main topics of discussion when Harlan County native Rutland Melton attended the inaugural "Gathering for Justice" convention in Oakland.

Melton said hundreds of people from various organizations attended the convention, which took place in November.

"I came with a group of 10 people. We were all in the 'Higher Ground' play together. There were people there from every state," he said.

Melton added that the event focused on issues that are occurring in everyday life and covered a broad range of topics. Melton stressed that the main topic of conversation was the growing concern for the incarceration of children.

"We talked about homelessness, drugs, mountaintop removal and just everything that is happening today," Melton said. "But the biggest issue was the concern for our young people."

Representatives for the convention have said that they plan to continue the gathering each year in a different city.

Melton plans to attend as many conventions as he can.

"I hope that I can attend every year from now on. It is something that everyone should experience," he said.

He added that several famous figures, including Carlos Santana, Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte, were in attendance to discuss some of the various problems that are occurring in America.

One of the primary reasons for the "Gathering for Justice" was to educate people about the problem of childhood incarceration.

Several examples were brought up during the conference. One situation that sparked strong feelings regarding the subject was the story of 5-year-old Ja'eisha Scott, who was handcuffed and arrested by three St. Petersburg, Fla., police officers for being "unruly" during her kindergarten class.

Melton said that childhood incarceration is becoming a far too common occurrence throughout America and that it is time for people to do something about it.

"Kids are thinking about making a fast dollar instead of going out and working hard to make an honest dollar," Melton said. "We have to give children more options. If kids have something to do, they will stay out of trouble."

He also stressed the importance for more young people to get an education.

"Kids are quitting school because they think that they can make easy money. But they really need to stay in school and get an education," Melton said.

"You have to learn to crawl before you can walk. Young people need to make something out of themselves and try to be somebody."

Another issue that was discussed during the convention was the drug problem across the country.

"Drugs are a problem in every community in America," Melton said. "When I was young, you didn't think about drugs. Now they are taking over our community."

Melton said he felt the convention was a success in helping to make people aware of common problems occurring throughout the nation.

"Everyone who went to the convention can take something from it to help their community," he said.

Anyone who wishes to find out more information regarding "The Gathering for Justice" convention may log on to www.thegatheringforjustice.org.