Call to action event held for Chattanooga’s youth

Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod wants Chattanooga's children and teenagers to feel safe

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — “Have you had enough yet?”

This was one of several questions addressed at tonight’s “Our Youth Matters” discussion just off MLK Boulevard.

Tonight, plenty of concerned Chattanoogans spoke on the matter.

But it was the kids’ voices that had the most emphasis.

District 9 Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod says it’s imperative that the city support the “ideals and solutions” of the city’s youth.

“We want to make sure we’re addressing key issues that our youth are concerned about and making sure they understand that Chattanooga is a safe place for them,” Coonrod said.

The open forum allowed the Scenic City’s kids and teenagers to provide input on what their own solutions would be in response to the city’s recent mass shootings.

“I think that there should be more youth after-school action programs because it would keep kids off the street and have something to do after school,” said Chris McCain.

“[You] can’t buy guns if you’re under age 25,” said Darnell McCain.

Local teenager Maurquez Thompson was one of two MCs at the event but says a forum at the cultural center won’t reach anyone.

To reach troubled kids, he says the city needs to find them.

“If we want to get to the bottom of the problem and have a solution, we have to be at schools like Brainerd, Howard, Tyner,” Thompson said. “We have to meet kids where they’re at. This is not the place.”

Several members of the youth support more access to local rec centers, college prep and outdoor programs.

There were numerous calls for stronger background checks on guns and lifting the age of purchase to a buyer’s mid-20s.

One parent says she’s sick of the violence and that it’s time to put the collective foot down.

“Parents, we have to stand up and raise children,” said Cassandra Robinson, a local grandmother. “We ain’t let the children raise us. We got to go back to our old morals raising these kids. We are the adult … we are the adult! It’s alright to say ‘no.'”

Getting more active in a local church, volunteering at the rec center, and even taking a job at Rock City were all available options for members of the youth in attendance Thursday evening, as plenty of Chattanoogans offered their assistance.

One kid even said he wants to study and eventually become a judge to aid his community.

Even there, an attorney was present and offered to help.