The city of Detroit observed Gun Violence Awareness Month in June, with the Black church community playing a significant role in addressing the issue. The Church of the Messiah in Detroit held its 19th annual ‘Silence the Violence’ march and rally, which was founded by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Barry Randolph.

Community Efforts

Host Stephen Henderson had a conversation with the Rev. Lawrence Rodgers, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church in Detroit, and Teferi Brent, director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood & Community Safety and men’s minister at Fellowship Chapel in Detroit. They discussed how the Black church and the City of Detroit are working together to address the root causes of gun violence.

Rev. Rodgers emphasized the church’s role in teaching conflict resolution skills to young people, holding gun safety classes, and passing out gunlocks. He also highlighted the importance of destigmatizing mental illness and promoting peace, prevention, and intervention.

Brent discussed the establishment of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood & Community Safety and its goals. He also reflected on his personal experience with gun violence, including the murder of a friend 40 years ago, which led to the creation of the organization Save Our Sons and Daughters (SOSAD).

Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.