LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Lima residents gathered for a second community forum to talk about gun violence and our young people.
The Lima Area Black Ministerial Alliance invited residents to ask representatives from Lima City Schools, the court system, and law enforcement any questions they have about youth crime. Speakers also explained how local faith leaders, schools, and courts are working together to reach at-risk kids before it's too late. The alliance wants to emphasize that reducing all crime in Lima needs to start with the young people, and it's everyone's responsibility to do their part.
"We hope that people are mindful and attentive and see what's going on with our youth around them, and just make sure they're not drifting into that type of an environment," said Pastor Cleven Jones, the vice president of LABMA.
"A lot of it has to do with gangs. Young kids being involved in gangs coming up, older gang members introducing the young kids with guns and getting them to do things that they need to do to be initiated in gangs. These things need to stop. We have to stop these things," added Dr. Arthur Butler, the president of LABMA.
Officials say that gang-like activity is present in schools all across the county, sometimes starting as early as the 5th grade.
