LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington is doing its part to address the gun violence in the city, ONE Lexington hosted 100 Black men to stand in solidarity against gun violence.
The men received valuable resources from several community partners like the Fayette County Attorney's Office, the Black Achievers Program, Operation Make A Change, Sisters and Support Working Against Gun Violence, Real Men Read and officials from the city of Lexington.
Thirty-two is the number of homicides the city of Lexington has had so far for the year 2021. That number is just two less of what the total homicides were in 2020, which was 34. That is exactly why organizations like ONE Lexington are hosting activities and events to address the gun violence in the Lexington community. During Saturday’s event, 100 Black men, youth sat down to hear personal stories from community advocates and leaders affected by gun violence. Devine Carama is the director of ONE Lexington, the one leading progress with Lexington city officials, organizations.
“The homicide statistics disproportionately impact Black males. And so today was an intentional call for Black males in the community to come together who can identify with these young people that are caught in the cycle of violence and figure out ways that they can be a part of the fight,” said Carama.
ONE Lexington is an organization founded in 2017 who coordinates events and activities addressing gun violence in the city of Lexington. Carama has worked tirelessly for Mayor Linda Gorton side to make an impact, progress.
“When you stepped up and said I am, I am one of the hundred who want to do this thing. And you did not know exactly what it was right? But you are willing to dedicate yourself for our future. This is the most important thing you can do right now,” said Gorton.
Community partners at the event included the Fayette County Attorney's Office, the Black Achievers Program, Sisters and Support Working Against Gun Violence, Real Men Read and Operation Make A Change. The community partner organizations all came together in support of the much needed progress. Operation Make A Change is led by Geo Gibson told his personal story at the event. He took to the streets at one point in his life and was formerly incarcerated. Carama knows people like Gibson are needed in this conversation the most.
“We got to get off our high horse being holier than thou and not allowing these people to the table because these are the people that can speak directly to the challenges of these young folks,” said Carama.
Gibson is all too familiar with the challenges he faced navigating through life, he does not want that for the futures of Black men, youth.
“It was calling in my life, a calling, so I did not force my way into this. God hand-picked me, front line. I do not have boots on but my boots are always on the ground. That is ain’t how we roll, that ain’t how we are. We love people, but we got shown through our actions,” said Gibson.
Carama also knows the need to change Lexington’s gun violence trajectory is going to take more than just city leaders. It is going to take the work of those affected by gun violence, those who see and know the change can happen.
“Obviously she has [Mayor Linda Gorton] entrusted in me, has given me the freedom to do great things like this. And so, you know, I do not want to put it all on elected officials, because I think we are in a unique times, but I think they definitely have woken up this year, that is for sure.”
City leaders have their eyes open, ONE Lexington is on a mission to have more money and resources in the next Lexington city budget. Mayor Linda Gorton said addressing gun violence is not an easy task but she and other city officials are willing to help in the fight.