Moms over Murder and the TN Hispanic Action Network held an “emergency” meeting inside the Rock United Ministries Church on Monday evening to address gun violence just two days after ten people were shot on Jefferson Street.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Ten people were shot during one of Tennessee State University’s (TSU’s) most anticipated weekends.
The homecoming parade had just ended when police said people “with local gang affiliations” started firing shots. With one victim deceased and at least one shooter still at large, community members have already started working to make change.
Moms over Murder and the TN Hispanic Action Network held an “emergency” meeting inside the Rock United Ministries Church on Monday evening.
Advocates and parents gathered to address gun violence just two days after ten people were shot on Jefferson Street.
“This incident that transpired over the weekend was very heartbreaking,” said Mandii Brown with Nashville Peacemakers. “…I need people to understand that as a community that’s supposed to be a safe space for everybody.”
In a statement released on Monday, TSU made it clear that “the shooting did not take place on our campus, and that no one from TSU or affiliated with the university was involved.” However, there are still questions left unanswered. Many have worried about what changes need to be made in the community.
“I was having a ball and then, all of a sudden, just chaos — and a little girl crying out for her mom and I’m covering her,” Brown added, holding back tears. “Whatever issues you have with each other, keep it away from the community.”
On Monday evening, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) released more information as the investigation into the shooting continued. Investigators said that gang activity may have played a role in the shooting. Four of the five individuals with gang affiliations had previous arrest histories, police said, including one convicted six months ago.
That individual, who was not named by police, was convicted on charges of robbery, felony possession of the drug ecstasy for resale and felony gun possession. He received a 10-year probated sentence to the Community Corrections Program, according to police.
“I understand that we want big change and we want it quickly and we want it around the country. We want it around the state. We’re working, but we’re not making the changes outside of this building,’ Melissa Alvarez with the TN Hispanic Action Network said. “There are changes we could be making in our city. Why do we keep allowing gun shops to pop up? What number do we say, ‘Okay, we need to draw a line in the sand. We need to take this seriously.’?”
As violent crime continues to impact neighborhoods, families, and children, advocates on Monday encouraged others to invest in their own communities as a way to make change.
“I do not want to keep talking about why boys and killing boys, why blacks are killing blacks, black and brown is not getting looked at. I want to know why we aren’t talking about how the guns are coming in here, why you want to get rid of the assault rifles,” said Clemmie Greenlee, Founder of Mothers over Murder.
“Our detective teams have advanced this investigation significantly since Saturday evening and continue to gather information on those involved,” MNPD chief John Drake said. “The shooters obviously had no regard for human life and put a crowd of innocent persons, including children, in extreme danger. The entire criminal justice system must treat violent gun crime with the seriousness it demands with resulting incarceration for those convicted.”
The organization Black Mental Health Villages is offering free services for those who need it by providing group grief counseling. To get connected to care, email intake@bmhv.org or fill out the form: Mental Healthcare Intake