CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Community leaders in Charlotte took action and organized an anti-violence conference that happened Saturday, with a focus on putting an end to the ongoing gun violence that’s hurting the next generation inside the Queen City.
Several community members gathered as part of an event geared towards drawing up a game-changing plan that aims to share how teens can end the gun violence prevalent among youth. The organization known as Step Up to Leadership is putting action behind the phrase with its latest event.
The group held a "Breaking The Cycle" conference at Johnson C. Smith University that invited Charlotteans in, especially teens, to help steer them on the path to success. Arkevious Armstrong is the executive director of the group. He said part of the mindset involves a degree of liberation.
“Being freed from all the things that's caused the pain and caused us to honestly be where we are right now spiritually, mentally, and psychologically," he said.
Armstong and his organization are alarmed by the trend in violence that’s hurting the younger generation. He believes that it's up to people like him and other neighbors in Charlotte to give teens an outlet to find peace and flourish.
“Not only just give them a safe place but give them an opportunity to express, to understand about conflict resolution, behavior, cognitive skills," he said, "giving them exposure to different opportunities that can not only just expand their mind, but expand their opportunities to thrive and be excellent.”
Shaun Allen is a teen in Charlotte and took part in the conference. He said he was delighted to see just how many other teens showed out for the conference.
“It's really good to see people my age," Allen said, 'trying to better themselves and better the community as well."
Beyond community leaders, law enforcement leaders also joined. That included Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden and his staff.
Allen noticed this and said more voices, hands, and efforts involved help the chances for the next generation.
"Just not one party has been incorporated with this whole event," he said. "We get everybody together because unity makes everything easy and it makes us stronger. United as one.”
All to help break the cycle and change lives.
“Changing lives is the biggest, ultimate goal, and what we're doing here today," Armstrong said, "but outside of the conference, what we do on a day-to-day basis, the whole goal is to change lives."
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.