“Stop killing people” is the message more than 80 ministers and young people plan to deliver at the Chattanooga Youth Against Violence march Tuesday.
“We want to focus on solutions,” said the Rev. Ternae Jordan, pastor of Mount Canaan Baptist Church.
Mr. Jordan, other ministers with the Servant Leadership Christian Fellowship and community organizations are sponsoring the event.
The Youth Against Violence march and rally is scheduled to start at Orchard Knob Baptist Church at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and end at Engel Stadium. A rally at the stadium is set to begin at 7 p.m.
Young people are spearheading the march to show that, while a few youths may have been involved in violence, most young people don’t carry guns or intentionally cause harm to others, Mr. Jordan said.
East Chattanooga Weed and Seed will be among several organizations at the stadium telling youth and parents about their summer activities. The activities give young people an alternative to stay out of trouble this summer, officials said.
“We’re going to have activities every month for young people,” said James Moreland, chairman of East Chattanooga Weed and Seed. “We’re teaching them to make good choices, how to plan their futures and how to work with their peers without getting into trouble.”
IF YOU GO* What: Chattanooga Youth Against Violence march and rally* When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday* Where: March starts at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church on East Third Street. The march will end at Engel Stadium. A rally will start at the stadium at 7 p.m.
Stop the Madness will inform youth of its summer camp, and several Little League coaches will be available to tell parents about summer time organized sports for youth.
The march and rally come after at least six homicides and 31 shootings in the city this year.
Nearly a dozen youth ministers approached Mr. Jordan about having a youth march and rally in March after five teenagers and young adults were shot at Coolidge Park.
The Rev. Patrick Hinton, youth pastor at Hawkinsville Baptist Church, said he was compelled to ask Mr. Jordan for help after two teenagers from his church were shot.
Both young people came to the altar that Sunday, he said.
“They’re looking for answers,” Mr. Hinton said.