By Vivian Shipe
KNOXVILLE, TN — The event to kick off Youth Violence Prevention Week in Knoxville a long with the rest of the nation, got off to a great start as youth gathered at the John T. O’Connor Center to begin a week of fun, education, and reflection. The moment was not lost by city Mayor Kincannon. She wholeheartedly supported the event which is part of her plan to create a safe, healthy and thriving community. She proudly spoke of the Turn Up Knox violence prevention program. Since it’s inception two years ago , the city has seen a decline in the number of murders over the last two years. Kincannon spoke of the pain of the lives lost, school lockdowns, and the numbers of those who have lost loved ones through violence. Reminding those in attendance of her mission to make public safety job number one on her list ; the mayor mentioned several of the weeks upcoming events, encouraging everyone to visit the city website for a lists of all activities.
The kickoff event was filled with food , music, fun and many community resources to help those looking for long term help and other ways to solve conflict.
Lakenya Middlebrook, City officer over Community Safety and Empowerment speaking to the people in attendance mentioned how impactful it was that the event was being held in the senior center, expressing her desire that those children originally scheduled to be out on the playground, (weather changed original plan)would, through programs like the one being held, grow up and live out their lives and be able to need and enjoy a senior center.
