Some Area Residents Are Working to End Violence

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Many people who live in Tupelo, including those at today’s event, say they are worried about crime, about their neighborhoods, and about the future for their young people.

Pastors, community leaders, and church members believe they’re the start of change.

Shootings and murders are growing in this city that many say use to be a stranger to violence.

“There’s a lot of violence in the community. There’s a lot of killings and it’s a lot of stuff going on in the community now, that didn’t go on back when I was young,” says Tupelo resident, J.C. Beene.

The last murder was less than a month ago, outside of this Tupelo Waffle House.

Beene says more needs to be done to keep killings from becoming common.

“I don’t think we put forth a big enough effort. I mean, as far as helping the young people, because an old man like me, I’m about too old. I’m not going to get in that much trouble, but the young people, seem like most of them are looking for something to get into. So, if you don’t go to church, you know, don’t have no church in your life, all you can do is play on the devil’s playground.”

Policing that playground falls on the shoulders of Atlanta Pastor Jay Caprietta.

That’s why there was no hesitation in making the four hour drive when ‘The Be Free Campaign’ founder invited him to the event.

“When we come together, for the reason to unite the community and unite the city and have the element of God in it, he’s the one that’s going to change this city and I believe we can do it. We can do it together.”

Tupelo resident Joseph Shumpert believes working together is the solution to crime.

“I think it will put an end to a lot of the violence. Keep kids off the streets and keep them out of trouble.”