Obama, Curry, John Legend to join forces for 3-day Oakland event

Former President Barack Obama is coming to Oakland later this month to talk about improving the lives of young men of color, and he'll be joined by some high-profile friends. 

Warriors star Stephen Curry and singer John Legend said they will be among the speakers at the first national gathering of Obama's group My Brother's Keeper

The Oakland event will be held at the Scottish Rite Center on Lakeside Drive on Feb. 18, 19 and 20. About 1,200 people have been invited from across the nation, including many Oakland young people who have been personallly impacted by violence. 

"A couple of weeks ago one of my firends was shot on 23rd (Aveune  in Oakland). It's a recurring thing. There's violence all around us," said Rodney Horne, a 26-year-old Oakland resident. 

The Obama Foundation created My Brother's Keeper Alliance in 2014 after the 2012 the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin. a black, unarmed, Florida teen killed by neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman.

At the time of the shooting, President Obama made candid remarks about the nation’s racial tensions saying: “Trayvon Martin could have been me 35 years ago.”

Regina Jackson, the president of East Oakland Youth Development Center, said she is helping to coordinate the three-day event later this month in Oakland. 

"When young people see individuals like Steph Curry and John Legend in this movement, it inspires them to be better, inspires them to do more for their community,'' Jackson said. 

Jamal Rasheed, 25, agreed that positive role models are needed in Oakland and nationwide. 

"For (Obama) to break down barriers and become the first black president; it does show you the sky's the limit. Whatever you set your mind to...if you really worked at it and you're dedicated, you can do it," he said.

The Oakland event will includes service projects and sharing ideas among young people who've faced challenges.