LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington's youth gun violence prevention group, ONE Lexington, hosted its second annual Symposium on Youth & Young Adult Gun Violence.

Nearly 160 people signed up to be part of a conversation about the state of gun violence in the city after an Aug. 9 mass shooting and other recent incidents. 

What You Need To Know

  • ONE Lexington hosted its second annual Symposium on Youth & Young Adult Gun Violence

  • City and community leaders discussed challenges and root issues of the violence

  • Some leaders were recognized for their vital services, including Mattie Morton, founder of Exhilarating Inc. 

Kenneth Payne, crisis response coordinator of ONE Lexington, said the organization is focused on tackling disparities in education, jobs, enrichment and other environmental factors such as food and health. 

“We really focus on (ages 10 to 29), but it affects others outside of that," Payne said. "We speak to kids in our mentorship program, just out having conversations. If there's a situation, (an) issue with them, we like to have contact with their families."

Earlier this year, Mayor Linda Gorton's office shared Lexington saw a significant decline in homicides, with 24 in 2023 compared to 42 in 2022. Payne said the organization is focused on key figures around the city to continue efforts to lower numbers. 

Mattie Morton, founder of Exhilarating Inc., which offers transitioning into adulthood programs for those between ages 18 and 26, said teaching young adults about essential skills can prevent them from turning down tough paths. 

“Lexington is very resourceful," Morton said. "We have lots of resources here, and a lot of it is free, with people reaching out all over the city to help." 

Hoping to continue this trend, ONE Lexington is providing grants to several other community nonprofits offering prevention and intervention services. 

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