In less than just 50 days into 2017, eleven people have been murdered in Nashville.
What's even more shocking is that three of those victims are kids. Teen gun violence is a growing problem in Nashville and if you think it won’t happen to your family, Talia Simmons said don’t be fooled.
“A lot of parents are in denial. They're in denial, and I can tell you that from self-experience," said Simmons.
Five years ago, Talia’s oldest son, Antwand, was shot and killed at a friend's 16th birthday party in South Nashville. He had just stepped out of the car and Simmons has been told he wasn't the intended target.
“This is what I was fighting for not to happen. I had been fighting for that for a very long time,” said Simmons.
It's still a fight Talia is facing as she raises four more boys ranging in age from 5 to 20.
Dwight Simmons, one of Antwand’s brothers, is now 15 years old and in high school. He was 10 when his brother was murdered – old enough for the experience to shape him. He steers clear of parties and knows his brother's fate is just a phone call away, saying getting a gun is easy.
“Make a few phone calls and have one in your hand. As long as you have enough money you can have one right away," said Dwight.
Dwight has a clarity most kids his age don't and knows why kids are so quick to pick up a gun.
“There's no one pushing them not to get a gun. They don't have nobody in their life that's pushing them telling them ‘don't do this, don't do that.’ It's the lack of leaders not doing their part," Dwitght explained.
Talia Simmons knows the message starts at home, but she said it can't end there.
“We gotta wake up and we gotta wake up as a whole community. It's not about this is your problem, no this is our problem," said Simmons.
Anyone can join NewsChannel 5’s Carrie Sharp and Partners in the Struggle for a community forum to talk about teen gun violence.
Teenagers are encouraged to attend. It will take place Saturday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m. at McNairy Hill United Primitive Baptist Church on Hermosa Street.
