This is the season when we are supposed to be about giving to others with love and compassion. However, I have been perplexed trying to understand the cause of recent gun violence crimes. How did we get to this space? I said “we” because this must be a community call to action. These issues belong to all of us — not just victims of crimes or the perpetrators, but all of us.
Earlier this month, I listened to a Facebook Live event facilitated by Pastor Roger Franklin Sr., the day after a young man was killed and his pregnant fiancé was shot several times. It was stated that both of them were innocent and did not know or have any affiliations with the person who shot them.
The Pastor shared the number of youth funerals he attended the past six weeks, which was alarming. Several men shared from their heart about their past incarcerations and how as men they need to step up and show the youth this is not the way to go.
It was clear the best connection to the youth are people who can relate to them, including the youth committing acts of violence. There was even a recognition this month at the Gun Safety and Violence Collaborative meeting that only trusted adults who know the youth are best for connecting to hear their concerns and ideas.
Getting input from youth key to plan to address gun safety and violence
The Collaborative is developing a plan of action to address gun safety and violence. However, if we want a successful plan, it must include input from youth and those close to the youth. Out of 23 members of the Collaborative, only one person had no lived experience with gun violence.
The time to act is now and with urgency. The urgency includes connecting to young adults and others now, while the plan is being drafted.
I was able to interview two African American men about gun violence in the Springfield community. One is age 21, currently in college in Springfield — I will refer to him as Man A. The other is age 19 and wants to obtain a high school diploma or HiSET — I will refer to him as Man B.
My main internal question was: Who failed the youth who are committing the gun violence crimes?
Through a series of questions, these two young men described what they believe could be the cause for gun violence and what it would take to reduce youth from choosing a path of gun violence. I asked: Have they heard about the recent shootings? Did they know the alleged individuals were mostly biracial Black/White? What types of activities are needed for youth? What types of places are needed for youth to hang out?
Man A’s first response was a Big Brother, Big Sister Club, operated by people who cared and not just working for a paycheck. He also stated it has to be culturally designed to recognize Black culture, music, art, dance, etc.
He said, “I don’t think there’s anything Springfield, as a town, can do to reduce the act of violence, but they could try and change the gun laws, but I still don’t think that would help. They should build more kid-friendly places such as every day when kids get out of school they go to boys and girls club or even just have free classes to learn how to do something like instead of just going home and listening to music that’s gonna influence their minds.”
... They could try and change the gun laws, but I still don’t think that would help.”
21-year-old man in college in springfield
Said Man B: “The thoughts I have on the issue is a lot of us only know violence and that’s all you have seen for years and years and then the way the community is with White vs Black doesn’t make it any better but it’s sad that it’s like that. I want a better community because now I have two sons and my life has been put in danger multiple times. I want my sons to grow up with their dad and not have to worry about police guns or any of that, so I hope the world changes for the better.”
How can our community restore hope?
They were asked what do they think happened to youth to make them lose hope and how can we as a community restore hope?
Man A said: “We can show children that their lives are important by providing them with love, support, and positive reinforcement. By actively listening to them, valuing their opinions, and encouraging their dreams and aspirations. We can help them develop a strong sense of self-worth. It’s also important to teach them about empathy, kindness, and respect for others, so they understand the value of every individual’s life. Additionally, creating safe and nurturing environments, both at home and in their communities, can reinforce the message that their lives are important and deserve protection.”
Kids aren’t scared of dying or going to jail. I think our whole family failed us.”
19-year-old springfield man
Man B said: “I think what happened is everybody just stopped caring about this generation and my parent’s generation didn’t know any better than us but to yell and scream and whoop us thinking that was going to help, but all it did was build anger and bad communication skills. Without the use of guns, I don’t really know the answer because of beyond scared straight don’t work for kids now a days. Kids aren’t scared of dying or going to jail. I think our whole family failed us. We can show them their life has value just by talking and telling them you are there because a lot of kids don’t have anyone there.”
The same types of responses from these two men were heard again at a December 9 event Pastor Franklin held downtown. Community leaders and law enforcement attended the event to hear ideas, concerns and suggestions from community members impacted the most from the recent shootings. Parents who attended the event were asking for forums for the youth to share how they are feeling and the ideas they have to address gun violence.
Opportunity to reach even those deep into gun violence
Are the youth wanting and asking for too much? How difficult could it be to show compassion in a way they want to receive it, not how we think they need to receive it?
I believe there is still an opportunity to keep youth from a pathway of gun violence. I also believe some of the youth already in too deep with gun violence can still be reached. However, it takes the right type of action plan with community people that can relate to the youth.
As far as criminal acts of violence are concerned, our law enforcement is well-equipped to keep us safe and address any criminal activity. The community is needed to listen to the youth to create an action plan that lets them know they were heard; they are valued, and someone does care about them.
This holiday season gives us an opportunity to show love and compassion every day as we prepare for 2024. The community can instill hope again, and let people know they are loved, and we care. Failing them again is not an option. Happy Holidays!
