Video: ‘Men Of Color’ Address Crime In Columbus, Call To Action

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Friday’s shooting at Sim Scott Park has given a group of local leaders even more motivation to stop violence in Columbus.
The Men of Color Organization held a meeting where the shooting occurred to discuss the issues plaguing the community and how to be proactive in stopping these problems.

Four people were injured in Friday’s shooting.

Now, authorities are searching for more information.

Crimes, such as this, are prompting local leaders to take a stand against violence.

“The organization Men of Color is about responsible, black men coming together, coming up with solutions for the problems that we have in our community. We believe in order to make a difference, it starts with us,” said Men Of Color member, Garrick Killingsworth.

The meeting was a time for the group to talk about the crimes in Columbus and come up with solutions on how to end them.

Councilman Kabir Karriem represents Ward 5, where friday’s shooting occured, he says violent behavior is not acceptable and there will be consequences.

“We have to first admit we have a problem in the city of Columbus. Secondly, the community has to take the attitude that we’re not going to tolerate it and elicit behavior will not be tolerated in our community and we’re going to do everything we can to make sure those actions of those individuals who want to participate in those things will be prosecuted,” said Councilman Karriem.

The group agrees in order to stop crime and have progression throughout the city, it has to be a community wide effort.

“Ministers, churches, parents and the school system, we have to get together and talk about this issue and come up with solutions and everybody has to be on the same page,” added Councilman Karriem.

“We have to reunite our community, whether we’re white, black , hispanic,” added Killingsworth.

Men of Color is planning to host a town hall meeting with other city leaders to address the problem of crime.

The group is also asking for others to take a stand against violence in the community.