In a recent meeting of the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners, community leaders and officials gathered to address the pressing issue of gun violence, particularly among youth. The meeting commenced with a prayer for unity and justice, setting a tone of collective responsibility.

Sherrell Byrd, founder and executive director of Wega Rising, presented a proclamation declaring June 7, 2024, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Dougherty County. Byrd highlighted alarming statistics, noting that 64% of gun violence incidents in the county involve youth. She emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, \"If from year to year I come and there's been no action, we're failing our youth and we're failing our community.\"

The proclamation aims to raise awareness and encourage community involvement, with activities planned for the week leading up to the awareness day, including a community rally and a candlelight vigil. Byrd called for the establishment of a task force comprising public and private leaders to develop effective strategies to combat gun violence.

Commissioners engaged in discussions about potential actions, with some suggesting that solutions should involve not only local efforts but also state and federal collaboration. The conversation underscored the importance of including youth voices in the decision-making process, as well as the need for community-wide engagement to address the root causes of violence.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to honor victims of gun violence and a call for collective action to create a safer environment for all residents. The board expressed its dedication to exploring policies that protect citizens and foster a supportive community for youth.