“The future is ours.”
It may sound simple, but getting local youth to understand and believe this phrase is one of the main ways the Chattanooga Gang Task Force will be working to prevent and intervene with existing gangs over the next several months.
“This phrase encapsulates what we want kids, young people and young adults to internalize,” said Gang Task Force co-coordinator Boyd Patterson. “Because once they realize they have value, you don’t have to tell them to stay away from drugs and gangs; they do it intuitively.”
A recent launch event at the Carver Community Center drew approximately 500 individuals and family members together for a time of prayer, focus groups, food, activities, information and entertainment. Patterson said he hopes the event will help the movement gain more momentum and be a focal point to garner more community support for gang prevention and intervention.
“As happy as I am with the response from the community on this, it’s just the beginning,” he said.