“We Matter”: a community forum designed to educate, empower
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Dozens of people gathered inside the Thomas Chapel Baptist Missionary Church on Saturday morning to discuss a reign of terror following multiple shootings. The organizers of Camp Chambers CSI, Inc, hosted a forum on bullying, gun violence and parenting.
It’s no surprise that a church in Memphis has been a haven for young people following several violent attacks in the area.
A mass shooting at the Kroger in Collierville left 15 people injured, one of whom died of her injuries.
A week later, a 13-year-old teenager shot a classmate inside Cummings K-8 Faculty School in South Memphis.
Sadly, forum organizers say the fight to stop violent attacks can only happen with a united community. The forum turned into a reminder that everyone needs to come together to create a sense of community.
“Parents, your children need you. Your children need you. Listen to what I’m saying, â€said Franky Taylor, guest speaker at the event.
Terri Hines, a woman who admitted to being a criminal seven times, also shared simple but powerful words.
“We cannot blame the lawyers or the prosecutors, the prosecutor, the judge. They have a job and their job is to protect this city, â€Hines said. ” We count. “
It was a past that set her on a path to face Shelby County prosecutor Amy Weirich years ago in court.
“With the thousands and thousands of cases that our office deals with each year, that’s all we hope to happen with everyone we touch is this offender will never come back. What will it take for this offender to never come back into the system, â€Weirich said.
Hines is now a business owner who thanks the woman who helped her pursue her.
Keeping an open door to dialogue is a complex problem with a simple solution at a time when young people must navigate a new normal in the midst of a pandemic.
It’s not just COVID, but the crime that threatens our children – especially gun violence. This was one of the many difficult topics discussed directly through these doors for much needed community conversation.
Similar gatherings will be held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. throughout October at the following locations:
October 9 – Urban Beauty Barber Institute – 3250 Coleman Rd.
October 16 – Thomas Chapel Baptist Missionary Church – 2539 New Raleigh Road.
October 23 – Greater Faith Temple Minstries – 905 E. Shelby Dr.
October 30 – Thomas Chapel Missionary Baptist Church – 2539 New Raleigh Rd.