Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Gun Violence Prevention topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents, community groups seek council support for June gun-violence prevention event and youth programs
Summary
Multiple speakers representing Watch It Pay Off and WIPO youth development described planned June 14 anti‑gun violence programming and sought city collaboration, funding and connections to existing council programs.
A coalition of youth-development leaders and organizers told the Houston City Council on April 6 that they are planning a June 14 event and broader youth programming aimed at reducing gun violence and asked the council for support, partnerships and funding.
Several speakers representing Watch It Pay Off (WIPO) and affiliated groups described the June 14 event at the Acres Home multi‑service center — a day of sports, skills challenges and resources — and urged council members to partner with their effort. Organizer Jonathan Black described the program as focused on youth guidance and resources; Keona Johnson, who said she lost her fiance to gun violence, asked city leaders to support the group’s message that “encourage the youth to make a shot instead of taking shots.”
Council members and staff responded by describing existing programs and funding they said are available and suggested coordination; Councilmember Thomas noted the Credible Messenger initiative and invited organizers to bring proposals to offices that have funding for community-based violence prevention. Several council members said staff would follow up to identify possible grants, free gun locks and other program support.
Organizers asked for volunteers, partnerships with schools and nonprofits, and help publicizing the June 14 event; council staff indicated they would follow up on collaboration and potential funding.
