A powerful roundtable discussion in Indianapolis features youth discussing their experiences with gun violence alongside comedian Mike Epps and Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. Highlighting the voices of young people often overlooked in these critical conversations, the event comes in response to rising youth gun violence, with police data indicating 11 juvenile homicide victims in 2024 alone.
The gathering also serves as a launchpad for a podcast aimed at fostering deeper awareness and action on gun violence prevention. Speakers like 18-year-old James Curry, a shooting survivor, emphasize the often-neglected realities of youth life, linking social media influences to the struggle of appearing tough amid real-life consequences. Epps underscores the importance of sharing personal stories as a means to inspire change and safety for all youth in the community.
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