Words cannot adequately describe the immeasurable toll people violence exacts on families and our community. As a public official, it is our responsibility to work in partnership with the community to galvanize every possible resource to prevent, intervene, investigate, and suppress people violence. Shootings create trauma for the people directly involved and for everyone in surrounding neighborhoods and communities. The sounds of gunfire; the possibility that kids or loved ones may be unintended victims; and, the inability to feel safe can cause long-term harm. The risk of and reality of that harm calls us to action.
We must invest in and reimagine public health and safety. I am committed to listening, learning, and evolving the entire public safety system and doing what it takes to build trust with the community. I also want to be clear. We all see what others see; too many people are being shot and killed in our community. We all are deeply impacted by the loss of life and the trauma plaguing our community. Until we truly address the root cause of crime and poverty bodies will continue to be harmed. Immediate action is needed.
Every Black Chattanoogan must have a sense of urgency regarding violence amongst our black youth. We can no longer ignore the cries and pain. We must engage every generation and demonstrate raw authenticity and passion for changing the created culture. Reach our youth where they are and uplift them to be their best version. We all must consistently engage with communities by intentionally being present even in the off-season. We must take back each block. We must reclaim our morals and values. We can’t imagine a better future for our youth we’ve got to fight for it.
All houses of faith, Benwood, Civitan Club, Footprint, all Greek organizations, Kiwanis, Links, Lyndhurst, Masons, NAACP, non-profit organizations, Order of Eastern Stars, Unity Group, Urban League 100 Black Men, 100 Black Women, and Rotary, let’s all pull up a chair and converse about solutions to this public health emergency.
This is my plea for togetherness. Additional questions or concerns please contact me at dcoonrod@chattanooga.gov
Demetrus Coonrod
Councilwoman, City of Chattanooga District 9
* * *
What about starting here, Ms. Coonrod? You mention houses of faith. Could perhaps some of the pastors impart this to their congregations to take home?
The current gang problem in Hamilton County and Chattanooga is centered among young black males, but gangs the world over go back as far as mankind. At least they go back as far as the Bible; ain’t nothin’ new under the sun.
I profess no beliefs, and am sure not a preaching man, but a person would be a remiss to fail to appreciate the proven insights and wisdom offered for free in the Bible. The first chapter of the Book of Proverbs addresses gangs and advises young men to stay clear of them and why.
The poor young men of all races around the world who fall into the old temptation to join a gang are void of a simple wisdom that’s been known for thousands of years. Though, on the outset, it may indeed be a case of casting pearls before swine, this is a place to begin. These are the alleged words of King Solomon, and notice verse 17, which implies you ought to know better than to walk into a trap you know full well is there waiting for you. In other words, don’t be stupid:
10 My son, if sinful men entice you,
do not give in to them.
11 If they say, “Come along with us;
let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,
let’s ambush some harmless soul;
12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
14 cast lots with us;
we will all share the loot”—
15 my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into evil,
they are swift to shed blood.
17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they ambush only themselves!
19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the life of those who get it.
To young, poor, hopeless males a gang has always presented an opportunity to belong. Their thinking may be too shallow for them to grasp that gangs are an aged hazard for the young. Maybe some who have contact with these at-risk individuals will share the above with them, interpret, and explain as necessary on the chance one or two might heed the timeless Wisdom of Solomon, even if they won’t listen to anyone else.
David Saluk