Local organizers gathered for special conversation on gun violence

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Community  and law enforcement leaders gathered at Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church for a special conversation. 

They talked about gun violence and ways to stop it.  

“People shared not only the trauma of losing someone to violence, but also some ideas and thoughts on what should happen in this special session to make a change,” State Representative, Yusuf Hakeem said. 

Organizations like Unity Group of Chattanooga, League of Women voters, and Chattanooga moms all agree, something has to be done.  

They think it’s time for changes at the state level. 

“We are not gonna stand for these things that are happening here in this country,” said Christy Rashed, Mother of the Late Jamal Rashed. “It is time for us to speak up, be up, do not get ready, be ready. I have been fighting this fight 29 long years along with my husband.”

Governor Lee is calling for a special session on the 21st of this month. 

He hopes to focus on mental health and saving lives.  

“We are hopeful that there is some movement that puts the citizens in the forefront, meaning common sense gun laws,” said Hakeem. “So that’s what we are working towards and prayerfully we will have that.”

There have been more than 50 shootings in Chattanooga this year. More than a dozen of those have been deadly.

In order to end gun violence it takes a community effort.  

“Violence is not good for our community and the trauma that it presents. So, continue to work in that vein, with God’s help, we are going to make a change,” Hakeem concluded.