Local community activist speaks out on gun violence awareness

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Members of the Macon-Bibb County community want to put an end to gun violence.

People gathered at New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church for the National Gun Violence Awareness Sit In. One activist says he’s tired of the killing where he lives.

“I, for one, am tired of seeing our kids going into the penitentiary, I’m tired of hearing about a child being buried or someone got killed when all of that could have been avoided,” says community activist Daryl Jackson.

Jackson is one of many who attended the event. It’s aimed at reaching the entire county looking for ways to end senseless killings.

“You know if you have lost a loved one in this city, you know, through gun violence or from gun violence, come out stand with us, let your voice be heard. Let them know you are not going to stand by and watch all this senseless violence, we got to stop killing each other,” Jackson adds.

Jackson is a parent and says children need guidance, and it starts from inside the home.

Jackson says, “We got to tell our children, get your education, don’t join gangs. stay out of trouble. you are somebody, you can be somebody.”

He believes this event will help guide our youth in the right direction.

“People of Macon-Bibb, we can make a difference. We change this thing, we just got to stand together on this and let them know they are loved. Instead of picking up a gun, pick up a book,” Jackson continues.

People wore orange for gun violence awareness.