"My heart still hurts because I can never hug my child again." - Unknown
Gun violence can have a big effect on small towns like Indianola, and surrounding areas where everyone knows each other. It's especially tough when the young men who are involved grew up together, and in some cases their parents did too. The moms of these young men are really sad and torn because of what's been happening in our local towns.
In a close-knit place like Indianola, it's really shocking when guys who used to be friends and teammates end up trying to hurt each other. They all grew up together, so it feels really crazy and unbelievable when it happens. The whole town feels scared and sad because of what's been going on, and it's not like it used to be.
The mothers of both young men involved in the violence are really hurting. They are going through something really tough because they've lost their child. One is deceased, and the other is imprisoned, and that will never be a fair trade. It's even harder because their sons have been both victims and perpetrators of violence. The mothers' tears show how much pain gun violence causes for families and the whole community. It's a really sad reminder of what happens when this kind of thing goes on.
To make things better, our community needs to work together to stop the violence. People like pastors, community leaders, the police, and groups in our local towns should team up to create programs for young people, offer them support, and help them solve problems without fighting. If we help young people
and give them hope, and the right alternatives we can stop them from turning to violence and help place them on a path to become productive citizens.
I've already mentioned to local business owners about giving these young men jobs. And I’ve also talked Dr. (Tyrone) Jackson, the president of Mississippi Delta Community College about helping some acquire GEDs and learning a trade.
The young men who are involved need to understand how their actions affect everyone. I urge you, young brothers, to stop being loyal to the streets and this "G Code" foolishness. In the end, it only leads to the worst possible consequences in life: the grave or jail. You should look for good role models, engage in positive activities, and solve problems without using violence. It's important for you to know that what you're doing really hurts others and makes things worse for both your families and our towns.
In the end, gun violence in small towns like ours hurts a lot of people, especially when the people involved are close to each other. The tears of moms who have lost their kids to violence show how hard it is for families. By working together and helping out young people, and by encouraging young men to choose peaceful ways, we can make our towns a safer and happier place for everyone. It's really important that we all do our part to stop the violence and make things better.
Steven Jarrod Smith
