Coalition Against Community Violence hosts first town hall, sees low turnout
Euphenie Andre
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Coalition Against Community Violence held its first town hall meeting Saturday, aiming to address violence in the city and open dialogue with residents.
Community members gathered to discuss what can be done collectively to improve the social determinants impacting children and families. While organizers hoped for a larger crowd, only three community members who are not part of the coalition attended.
The town hall is part of a pre-planning initiative funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health. The initiative will take a ward-by-ward look at violence across Columbia and Boone County. Saturday’s meeting focused on Ward 1.
Executive director of Destiny of H.O.P.E., Lonnie Lockhart-Bey called the turnout “disappointing,” but said the conversations that took place were meaningful.
Lockhart-Bey said coalition members promoted the event by going door-to-door and sharing information on social media to encourage participation.
Organizers said the purpose of the meeting is to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from residents who have been directly impacted by gun violence. That information will help guide future solutions and programming.
The group posed several questions to spark discussion, including; “Have you or someone you know been affected by gun violence?” “What do you believe is the main cause of violence in the area?” and “what actions are needed to create a positive change in the community?”
Participants shared a range of perspectives in response to the questions.
Some said that the influence of rappers and celebrities can impact children, while others pointed to systemic issues, including the impacts of white supremacy. Loose gun laws in Missouri– which some believe can make it easier for youth to access firearms– were also highlighted. Additionally, some attendees felt that teachers and schools bear responsibility for guiding children and keeping them safe.
“A lot of times, young people are getting the bulk of this blame, but gun violence is bigger than these young people,” Lockhart-Bey said. “There is a socio-economic impact that is happening throughout these communities that a lot of what we’re looking at seems like a fair game, when people are actually struggling and suffering.”
One of the residents who attended, La’Kesha Battie, said as a mother of two children and a teenager, she feels compelled to be part of the solution.
“[I’m here] to prevent the violence because it’s so many kids out here dying that shouldn’t, and dying over stupid stuff,” Battie said.
Battie said she learned about the meeting after receiving a paper flyer from her cousin. Based on what she’s seen, she believes much of the violence begins with rumors that quickly escalate into conflict. She also said some children fall into negative influences instead of choosing to be leaders and make positive decisions.
Battie said she found the meeting to be insightful and hopes more members of the community will attend the next one.
Lockhart-Bey said violence exceeds just guns.
“Violence don’t always have to be with a gun. It can be a system that has been put in place that put people in a situation where they cannot grow. Their options are so limited that they cannot foresee themselves doing anything but what they are doing,” Lockhart-Bey said.
Lockhart-Bey said the teen center located in the building’s basement is now complete. The space is designed to provide a safe, fun environment for youth Monday through Saturday, giving them a positive alternative to spending time downtown.
Ward 1 Council Member Valerie Carroll and Ward 3 Council Member Jacque Sample were also in attendance.
Organizers said they hope to see greater community involvement at their next meeting, which is scheduled for March.