The ripple effects of sudden, violent death can be felt deep and wide, across a community.
Jakarrius Thomas, 19, shot to death in his bed on May 19.
Timmy Jerome James, 19, shot to death on Hope St., March 31.
Demetrics Townsend, 34, gunned down at Bishop Apartments, March 11.
Darris Ollie, 27, shot and killed in self defense, March 8.
Robert Love Jr., 15, shot and killed at Brazil Homes, Feb. 17.
Bryant Keith Ramsey, 48, fatally shot in the head, Feb. 13.
Jauquavous Whitehead, 15, killed in the crossfire, Brazil Homes, Jan. 31.
Pastor Mary Johnson says it’s time for a communitywide forum, “An Outcry for our Children,” to come up with a plan to stem the violence that has sent shock waves throughout Leflore County in 2018.
On Wednesday at the Leflore County Civic Center, Johnson’s forum will begin at 6 p.m. with an hourlong prayer meeting, followed by a panel of 12 community members leading a brain-storming session to discuss the problem and lay out solutions.
“We want to walk out with a plan,” Johnson said. “I want parents, students, kids in college now who’ve made it through, grandparents, everybody in the community who cares about this to come.”
Johnson said she was awakened last week by a vision from God, telling her that the cure for a snakebite is the venom itself.
“In this case, it’s the community and its problems,” she said. “I really feel that the cure will come from within.”
A former educator, Johnson said she is also concerned about the way that people are working in isolation instead of collectively.
“Hopefully this event will make us work together, to achieve success for all.”
Among the panel on Wednesday will be representatives from schools, churches, families, health care, law enforcement and other aspects of the community at large.
Principal Xavier Hodo of Leflore County High School will serve as moderator.
Ruby Kimble, whose son Demetrics “Meekie” Townsend died in March, will represent parents and loved ones of slain family members.
Paula Tarber, the mother of a man incarcerated for murder, will represent the other end of the spectrum of families disrupted by violence.
Michael Stewart, who runs a mentoring group for youth, will bring suggestions of what mentors can do for a community.
On Monday at 6 p.m., a live broadcast of “The Lee Hall Show” on WGRM 93.9 FM, will feature Johnson, Mayor Carolyn McAdams, Sen. David Jordan, Bishop Milton Glass, community activist Robert Sims and others discussing the problem of violence in the community, prior to Wednesday’s forum. The broadcast will be recorded at New Green Grove Church of Faith.
Johnson, who pastors with her husband, Charles Johnson, at Temple of Deliverance Church in Sidon, said she believes that with prayer and cooperation, change will come to the community.
“There are great people here, and that shouldn’t be overshadowed by people doing bad things,” Johnson said.
“I truly believe it’s our responsibility to use love to draw the best out of everyone, because there is good and there is greatness inside everyone.”
•Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
