Macon-Bibb County leaders address violence prevention

For the last two weeks, violence has impacted the Macon community and surrounding counties.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – For the last two weeks, violence has impacted the Macon community and surrounding counties. Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller, along with Macon Violence Prevention and community partners, gathered to discuss ways to help stop youth violence. 

“Every child in Bibb County is my child, could be my child. That means I care for them, I love them, and I want to see them succeed,” said Miller. 

“Just a little more than two weeks ago now, most of us awoke in a jarring and soul shaking news. A dozen of our youth were in the hospital after a shooting in one of our very own parks. No matter the reason for them being there, no matter what happened that lead up to it, no matter who was involved, we were all shaken,” said Mayor Miller. 

Bibb County Sheriff David Davis says preventing violence starts with building stronger connections with young people, and teaching them how to resolve conflicts without resorting to guns.  

“When tragedy happens, the community is shocked by that and wants to make it right, and get those responsible held to justice. But we still need to be involved with our youth. We still need to make that connection in their lives so that they can go to a birthday party. And even if they are at the park, they can settle their differences in a way they don’t bring out the guns, and start firing bullets at each other, and bring the tragedy to a lot of families,” said Sheriff Davis. 

Dr. Joshua Murphy with 100 Black Men of Macon, says young people need positive role models and support to see what they can become. 

“What they see is what they’ll be. We saw potential, while others say challenges. We saw future leaders, while others saw a statistic. And we recognize that behind every struggling student is a child deserving of opportunity of encouragement, and someone willing to believe in them. If the village does not embrace the child, the child will burn down the village, to feel its warmth,” said Murphy.

Macon-Bibb County leaders say involvement is key to building stronger families and a safer community. They’re encouraging residents to look for ways to get involved and support families who may need a helping hand.