FROM READERS: Silence the Violence attendees reflect on youth and gang violence in Columbia

From left, Lesli Woods, Jaccara Ferrell-Nelson, Montiera Ferrell-Nelson and Deja Dennis of Oakland Junior High School and Dominique Thurman of Jefferson Junior High School answer the question "What issues do you think contribute to youth and gang violence in Columbia?"

Adrian Clifton, a teacher at Rock Bridge Elementary School, answered the question "How do you plan to silence the violence in Columbia?" at the Columbia Community Non-Violence Initiative's Silence the Violence event on Saturday.

Quincy Avant is a former gang member from Boston who spoke during the Columbia Community Non-Violence Initiative's Silence the Violence forum. He said he wanted to mentor youth in the community by hanging out with them and teaching them interview skills to help them get jobs.

TaQuaisha Nelson, sister of shooting victim Tevin Nelson, answers the question "What issues do you think contribute to youth and gang violence in Columbia?" at the Columbia Community Non-Violence Initiative's Silence the Violence event. Tevin Nelson was killed on Oct. 30, 2011, and his case remains unsolved. A moment of silence was held in his honor before the event's community forum began.

Shannon Robinson and her daughter, Erin Robinson, answer the question, "How do you plan to silence the violence in Columbia?" at the Columbia Community Non-Violence Initiative's Silence the Violence event. Shannon Robinson leads the Youth Voices 4 Advocacy Action Team and is a member of Urban Empowerment Ministries church.

Jajuan Morrissette attended the Columbia Community Non-Violence Initiative's Silence the Violence event. Morrissette gave an emotional testimony during the event's forum. He said that the violent environments he has lived in have forced him to fight throughout his life.

Attendees at the Columbia Community Non-Violence Initiative's Silence the Violence offer a variety of solutions to end violence and weigh in on youth and gang violence in Columbia.   ¦  

COLUMBIA — Community members gathered at Douglass High School on Saturday for the Silence the Violence event sponsored by the Columbia Community Non-Violence Initiative.

The day officially started with a silent march from the Boone County Courthouse to Douglass High School.

Once the marchers arrived, the chairs and sound equipment were moved outside because the gymnasium was over capacity. Jeff Johnson, BET host and activist, spoke to open the community forum. Inside Douglass High School, attendees browsed information from community agencies and organizations geared to youth education, employment and empowerment.

The Missourian also had a booth where attendees could answer two questions:

1. What issues do you think contribute to youth and gang violence in Columbia?

2. How do you plan to silence the violence in Columbia?

Go to the Columbia Missourian's Facebook album to see a sample of the responses.

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