Dozens of Black faith leaders from across metro Atlanta gathered Monday to send a somber message: The city’s youth violence is out of control.
Pastors and clergy members called for action following the fatal shootings of numerous young people across the metro area this year, including at least three in the past two weeks. The southwest Atlanta news conference, organized by Concerned Black Clergy of Metro Atlanta, was planned on the heels of last month’s Midtown shooting that left a 12 and 15-year-old dead and four others injured.
Speakers said gun violence has to stop, and cautioned that more young lives will be cut short if steps aren’t taken to address systemic poverty and the crime that often comes with it.
“Violence is running rampant,” said Sophia Burns, executive director of Concerned Black Clergy. “We just want people to know we are aware, we will be here, and we will do everything in our power to stop this.”
Zyion Charles, 12, and Cameron Jackson, 15, were fatally shot Nov. 26 when gunfire erupted during a fight on the 17th Street bridge near Atlantic Station. Zyion died that night and Cameron died three days later. Four others, all younger than 18, were injured in the hail of gunfire.
Credit: Family photos
Credit: Family photos
On Saturday, a 15-year-old girl was killed at a Clayton County party attended by hundreds of high school students, authorities said.
“We are dealing with a proliferation of gun violence,” said the Rev. Shanan Jones, president of Concerned Black Clergy. “Now we’re hearing about another 15-year-old who lost their life before we could even have a funeral service for young Zyion Charles.”
Zyion’s funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in southwest Atlanta, family spokesman James Davenport said. Following the service, mourners are planning a “peace march” to the State Capitol where they will call for additional gun restrictions and an end to the senseless killing of children.
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com
Investigators last week released surveillance video of two suspects in the Midtown shootings, but no arrests have been announced.
“We cannot afford to stand idly by and let the blood of our children run in the streets,” Rev. Timothy McDonald III told those in attendance.
The longtime pastor, who served as special assistant for community concerns for former Mayor Maynard Jackson, didn’t mince words when it came to his criticism of Georgia’s “Constitutional Carry” legislation. McDonald and other interfaith leaders called for the bill to repealed, saying that allowing more Georgians to carry guns in public would inevitably lead to more bloodshed.
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com
Bruce Griggs, a former juvenile probation officer who now runs an organization helping at-risk young men, fears youth violence will only worsen if nothing is done. True change, he said, starts at home, in schools and in churches.
“It’s a problem of epidemic proportions,” said Griggs. “This is an issue we need to address statewide. We’ve just got to come together first.”
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com
Organizers and activists say they’re planning meetings with local police departments and elected officials to determine what role faith leaders and philanthropists can play in reducing Atlanta’s gun violence.
“We’re seeing this happen over and over again,” Jones said. “A 12-year-old. A 15-year-old with dreams of going to the Olympics. Dead. ... We must be the voice of consciousness, reason and sanity and say that it must end.”
Davenport, the spokesman for the Charles family, said Zyion’s mother is still struggling following the death of her oldest son, who had a twin sister.
“This young lady has four other children,” he said, noting they are 12, 9, 6 and 5. “You have to imagine she’s taking it very hard.”
Zyion’s funeral service is tentatively planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, but could be held earlier in the day.
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