During the past few years, gun violence has become a serious issue in our community. Since returning to my hometown about four years ago, I have witnessed many families burying their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. Issues related to gun violence have given awareness to the problem, but there has been NO actions. Comments from community leaders, ministers and politicians range from we need to provide solutions to why these shootings are continuing to happen right here in our community.
This summer alone, at least every two weeks and sometimes every day, there has been a shooting or shootings in the City of Roanoke. Areas in Southeast and Northwest Roanoke are seeing the violence unfolding at an alarming rate in their neighborhoods – folks gunned down in front of their homes. Why?
Roanoke City Council has created a task force to tackle the issue of gun violence. Council has selected individuals who have a keen interest in discussing the reckless abandon of the use of guns and its impact on our City. Some of those selected to serve on the committee I know and respect, and I hope they provide the insight and recommendations that will alleviate some of the ills related to this growing enigma. I’m encouraging task force members to take their selection seriously and I am encouraging City Council to take its task force seriously and not create political barriers. Gun violence and the killings that follow, not only is bringing dark clouds to our beloved city, but also serious pain and long-time consequences to families and friends impacted. It takes serious people to solve serious problems. The community is watching and praying that real solutions from City Council’s task force will come to the community that will provide actions to end the ongoing shootings and killings in our City.
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