In a recent community meeting, Duane, senior pastor at Flatline Church in Montgomery, shared insights into the challenges facing the north side of the city, particularly regarding youth violence and crime. With a congregation located in an area where the average household income ranges from $11,000 to $17,000, Duane emphasized the correlation between poverty and crime, stating, \"Poverty breeds crime.\"

Duane, who has a personal history of overcoming gang involvement, highlighted the importance of mentorship and outreach programs aimed at providing hope and opportunities for young people. He noted that many local youths are influenced by a culture of violence perpetuated through music, particularly rap, which often glorifies crime and conflict. \"Most of the killings that are going on right now in Montgomery stem from rap beef,\" he explained, referring to rivalries expressed through music that can escalate into real-life violence.

To combat this issue, Duane and his team are organizing a concert featuring prominent rapper Lil Boosie, who has shifted his message towards promoting peace and discouraging violence. The event aims to attract local youth and provide them with positive role models, showcasing artists who deliver uplifting messages. \"We want to give them a different option through what they love, which is rap music,\" Duane stated.

The initiative, dubbed the Montgomery Verse Challenge, seeks to engage local artists in a dialogue about violence and its consequences. Participants will create content that addresses these themes, with the goal of reshaping perceptions around violence and encouraging a more constructive narrative within the community. The program has already garnered interest from 16 local artists, and organizers are optimistic about its potential impact.

Funding for the initiative, which includes a budget of $25,000, will be allocated towards compensating artists, securing venues, and producing promotional materials. The overarching goal is to foster a safe environment for discussion and creativity, ultimately steering the youth away from violence and towards more positive life choices.

As Montgomery grapples with rising violence, community leaders like Duane are stepping up to address the root causes and offer hope through engagement and mentorship.