NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — On Saturday afternoon at The Lab Nashville, a number of anti violence advocates got together to share a message about getting more resources for at-risk youth.
Long-time advocate Clemmie Greenlee is calling out public officials and community leaders. She says there needs to be more funding given towards grassroots organizations that are engaged in youth-based restorative justice.
"I just seeing youth violence escalating," said Clemmie Greenlee, "I see all these negative solutions and not the positive solutions."
Greenlee lost a son to gun violence and is now the CEO of Nashville Peacemakers. She says she’s frustrated and hopes there can be more counseling programs and resources given to at-risk youth. Greenlee’s frustration came to a boil after five teens were charged in the shooting death of musician Kyle Yorlets.
"We are fighting out here to get something for our children," said Greenlee.
Greenlee was joined by Stacy Hall, the the director of Mothers Over Murder. Hall lost her son D’anthony Hall just over four years ago. She is pleading with Metro detectives and Mayor David Briley to commit to solving unsolved murders of teens and young adults.
"I think accountability is very important," said Stacy Hall, "If these kids are seeing that they are being held accountable, maybe things will somewhat cool down."
There may not be one correct way to curb youth gun violence but organizations like IMPACT Youth Outreach say they will continue to fight for the kids in their neighborhoods.
