Two fatal shootings in Columbus in April and May have served as a wake-up call to the city, with citizens organizing meeting and rallies to curb crime and violence.
Last week, a leadership group led by Lowndes County Supervisor Leroy Brooks held a meeting to draw volunteers to work on an anti-crime committee. A Stop the Violence Youth Summit, set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Lee Middle School, will draw high schoolers from the area to a panel including city leaders, pastors, teachers and police.
And a violence prevention rally, sponsored by the Columbus chapter of the National Action Network, will be held from 1-8 p.m. June 26 in Propst Park.
The meetings come after Quentin Spencer, 20, was shot to death at the Everyday Club and Lounge on Seventh Avenue North on April 20. Justin Murry, 22, was shot to death in a Schoolhouse Avenue home May 17.
We believe community meetings drawing attention to problems and proposing solutions are a good thing, and the more community involvement these meetings can generate, the better.
However, crime — violent or otherwise — won”t be solved by awareness alone. The ability to know right from wrong, and follow the law, begins at home. The real way to curb crime, large and small, is for parents to take an active, nurturing role in their children”s lives.
One effective, engaged parent is as valuable than any committee or another cop on the street — if not more so.
How to Go
- Stop the Violence Youth Summit: June 17, 9:30 a.m., Lee Middle School. More info: 662-549-9647 or 662-245-0148
- Stop the Violence-Promote the Peace Rally: June 26, 1-8 p.m., Propst Park. More info: Columbus Action Network, 662-329-5147
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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