Chattanoogans take a stand against gun violence with Sunday barbecue

Connie Hatten’s son is alive and well and headed to college – but she knows many other mothers whose sons are dead, gunned down in the street or even in their homes.

She feels their pain.

So about a year ago, she decided to try to stop the onslaught of violence and death. She founded a nonprofit, Touch My Life Ministry, and began to host positive events aimed at youth.

On Sunday, she’ll host a three-on-three basketball tournament and barbecue at Booker T. Washington Park for an afternoon of food, play and inspirational speakers.