Teens come together to find a solution for community violence.
Twelve people are killed every day by gun violence. Youth violence is common, in fact, homicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10-24.
Corresponding with the YWCA’s Week Without Violence, ThePlace2B hosted its second annual Youth Forum on violence on October 25, 2024. More than 20 teens from the community participated.
The forum created a safe space for teens to share their thoughts and their own stories about violence and how it has impacted them.
“It’s an opportunity for them to come here and be a voice for themselves and for their community,” said Edwin Salazar, Director of ThePlace2B.
The group also got to hear from a local mom, Anissa Quinn whose family has been impacted by gun violence twice. In 2017, Quinn’s son was shot while walking, resulting in him being paralyzed from the neck down. Quinn explained to the group how the incident has impacted not only her son’s life but her entire family’s lives. Quinn had to quit her job to take care of her son full-time. Then tragically she lost her 16-year-old daughter De’Zia who was shot in March 2023.
“You never think you’re going to bury your kid before they bury you,” said Quinn.
Quinn urged the group to speak up if they know someone who has a gun and intends to do harm and to know when to walk away.
“Young people, it’s up to you to stand up and take a stand about what’s happening in your community,” Quinn said to the group.
At the end of the forum, the group developed ideas for solutions.
We know youth CAN change the world. Events like this are the first steps towards change.
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