So far this year, 11 people have been killed and 38 injured in at least 48 serious shootings in Leon County, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. The latest was Sunday. That makes the task of curbing local gun violence even more daunting – but no one on the front lines is giving up.
“…and we pray now, Lord God, that there be no longer violence, that there be no ruin or destruction, O God, that you will call the walls of this neighborhood saved…”
The prayer warriors gathered in the parking lot of the apartment complex where a man had been shot and killed on Friday. Their passion drew a woman connected to him. They held her, comforted her, sang to her. They couldn’t answer her question: why?
It’s a question being asked all over the community. How did we get here and how do we get out?
“We have, all throughout this city, people who have taken on 30-minute slots, from 12 a.m. to midnight, to 11:59 to pray," said Pastor Judy Mandrell. "And we’re asking God for peace.”
Mandrell leads the prayer warriors. She’s part of a coalition led by Sheriff Walt McNeil, of law enforcement officers, service providers, faith leaders and activists trying to address the violence. Despite the steady drumbeat of shootings, he says his deputies aren’t being deterred.
“They understand this community cares,” he said. “And yes, they respond to horrific situations, and from time to time they get people that don’t like the police. But I will tell you, 99 percent of the time, the citizens of this community embrace law enforcement.”
The City of Tallahassee has committed $5 million over five years to curbing gun violence. Mayor Pro Tem Dianne Williams-Cox says they’re on track. And she’s not discouraged, either.
“I know that our community will stand tall and do what we need to do to educate our community, advocate for putting our guns down and finding other ways to resolve conflict,” she said. “I am open to any suggestions, and I am ready to work with whomever is ready to do this great work. But I am not discouraged. I’m disappointed, but I’m not discouraged.”
Williams-Cox was at a recent meeting of the Respect Yourself Task Force at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. It's led by R.B. Holmes. The task force is trying to expand social services in minority communities.
Jay Reeve is the CEO of the Apalachee Center, the regional behavioral health network in the Big Bend. He’s working with Holmes to make mental health care accessible to people in their own neighborhoods. He recalls when he was doing direct care with patients who were depressed. He would tell them…
“Sometimes you need someone else to hold your hope for a while, and that’s okay, that can be me. In this instance, Dr. Holmes, the sheriff, a lot of people of good will are holding the hope of the community. So, I’m absolutely not discouraged. I think we can get there. I think we’re on our way.”
“I am somebody. I am somebody. I am somebody.”
Holmes presented these kids, who attend a summer camp at the church. The camp is funded by the Children’s Services Council of Leon County. It's one of many groups working to give children alternatives to boredom, hopelessness and violence.
“I am somebody. Look at me. Don’t I look good? Look at me. Don’t I look good?”
Holmes says there is incremental progress. Yet nearly every week, there are shooting deaths. And the numbers of lost lives keep climbing.
