Lexington leaders and community members convened for a first‑of‑its‑kind forum hosted by ONE Lexington, focusing on gun safety and the city’s expanding approach to reducing gun‑related violence. The event brought together citizens directly impacted by violence, law‑enforcement representatives, health officials and local business owners.
Listening to those most affected
ONE Lexington Director Devine Carama emphasized that real progress begins with conversations in the community. “If you want to see gains in anything—substance‑use disorder, income inequality, violence—you have to go to the community,” Carama said. He stressed the importance of hearing from people who live with the daily realities of self‑harm, suicide and accidental shootings.
Carama explained that the organization plans to apply the same listening model it used for conflict‑based violence prevention. By gathering firsthand accounts, ONE Lexington hopes to shape future programs that address the root causes of gun‑related incidents.
Local voices highlight mental‑health links
Monica Terry, owner of Keeping It Fresh at Monica’s, praised the diverse perspectives shared at the forum. She noted that discussions about gun violence must also examine what happens before a gun is used, including mental‑health struggles, trauma and grief. “What happens before the gun play? Like mental health, PTSD, trauma, grief—all of this happens before the guns come about,” Terry said.
Terry called for compassion to remain central to any prevention effort, urging the community to “bring back humanity,” share resources and support one another.
Practical steps offered
At the close of the meeting, free gun locks were distributed to attendees, with additional locks available at the Lexington‑Fayette County Health Department. The tangible safety measure complemented the broader dialogue, giving residents an immediate tool to protect their families.
Carama affirmed that the forum is only the beginning. He intends to keep the conversation ongoing, continually gathering community input to guide local leaders in providing the resources and policies needed for a safer Lexington.
Looking ahead
The forum’s organizers hope the model can be replicated across Kentucky, fostering statewide collaboration on gun safety. By bridging gaps between law enforcement, health professionals and everyday citizens, they aim to develop laws and programs that truly reflect the needs of Lexington’s families.
As the city moves forward, the emphasis remains on listening, learning and acting together—principles that align with the values of faith, family and individual liberty cherished by the community.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
