Gun violence has been a pressing issue in Indianapolis, particularly among young people. The recent loss of Deandra, a 14-year-old member of the G3 Steppers, has brought attention to the devastating impact of gun violence on the community. Coach Laverna Tracy, who lost her brother to gun violence, emphasizes the importance of being transparent with her dancers and bringing them out into the community. “Gun violence is very real,” Tracy said. “I don’t think that teenagers and young people really understand what they’re doing when they use them. They’re not just impacting the person that you know that they use it on, but the family, all those that are connected to them.”
The annual Peace Walk, which took place recently, was a testament to the community’s efforts to raise awareness about gun violence and its effects on youth. Members of the G3 Steppers held up signs with Deandra’s name and chanted her name in unison while marching through the city.
Nine children under the age of 18 were killed due to gun violence in 2024, according to data from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Data this year shows three children under the age of 18 have died from gunshots, including Deandra.
Tony Lopez, a leader of Indy Peace, highlights the significance of community involvement in reducing violence. “One person – period – is too many,” he said. “But definitely a person under the age of 18, when we lose them in our city, it hurts.”
Gun Violence Statistics
2021
2024
Homicides
12
Non-fatal shootings
24
Lopez emphasizes the importance of taking action to prevent gun violence. “It can change at any moment,” he said. “But when we do things like this, when we do symposiums and forums and things like that, to really get everybody together to talk about it, it’s uplifting to see how many people care and how many people want to be a part of the change.”
The event was held in partnership with multiple organizations, including the Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence, and the Indianapolis Foundation.
“We love partnering with them to try and help promote the awareness of gun violence, but then also wrap around our young ones, our youth here in the city, to remind them that we’re here for them,” said Tony Lopez, deputy director for the city’s Office of Public Health and Safety.
Kareem Hines, founder of the New B.O.Y. program, also spoke about the importance of community involvement. “Sometimes in the city, we talk that talk, but we don’t walk that walk,” he said. “We want to talk it.”
“We need to create a safe space for young people to express themselves and feel safe,” Hines said.
The event was a powerful reminder of the impact of gun violence on young lives. By coming together and sharing their stories, the community can work towards creating a safer and more peaceful environment for all. **The power of community is a powerful tool in the fight against gun violence.**
As the community continues to work towards reducing violence, it is essential to remember that every life lost is a tragedy. By supporting organizations like the Marion County Youth Violence Prevention Coalition and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, individuals can make a difference in the lives of young people affected by gun violence.
Definitions:
* Gun violence: The use of firearms to cause harm or death to individuals or groups. * Non-fatal shootings: Incidents where individuals are injured but survive due to medical treatment. * Homicides: The killing of one or more individuals by another person.
