'This is about our youth:' City and faith leaders discuss ways to combat violence

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — After three children were shot and killed in just three months, Lynchburg's city and faith leaders are coming together to find ways to help keep kids off the streets.

Mayor Stephanie Reed partnered with Dr. Owen Cardwell to create an initiative called 'Take back our Streets Coalition.'

The mayor said solving this rise in violence is something the city has to do together.

"It's not a black issue, a white issue, a zipcode issue, different church issues," the mayor said. "As far as a solution; the solution is city-wide."

Dr. Cardwell, who is the co-director of the Center of Education and Leadership at the University of Lynchburg, said everyone is committed to preventing another young person from being shot and killed.

"Our big job is to reach those kids that are on the cusp or have already kinda moved over," Dr. Cardwell said.

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The group heard from school administrators, church pastors, and many different people running and operating non-profits, but it was the powerful messages from two twin teen boys that motivated the crowd to make big changes in the Hill City.

A woman who was attending the meeting asked Mayor Reed and Dr. Cardwell if they could hear from Justen and Jarell Shannon, two twin brothers who live in Lynchburg.

She said both boys were in the age group that the group was looking to help.

"I think we need more prayer," Justen said. "We need to learn more and keep our minds set on the good things and let the bad things go."

"I'd like to see more job opportunities because I am looking for a job," Jarell said. "We also need more activities for the programs that are represented here. They were saying places like the Boys and Girls Club and stuff like that were looking into it, and that's what kids our age need to get into."

After receiving lots of applause, Mayor Reed reminded the group that saving and protecting the youth is what this initiative is all about.

"This is what this is about," Mayor Reed said. "This is what this is about; it's about our youth. This whole process is about protecting them and guiding them, so hearing from them was wonderful."

The group is expected to meet again next month.