Some Heard, Others Frustrated in Greenville Teen Gun Violence Meeting

A Community Grapples with Gun Violence and the Need for Inclusive Dialogue

A recent community meeting in Greenville brought together a diverse group of individuals, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, clergy members, and a small number of residents. The gathering was held in response to two separate shootings that left two teenagers dead last Friday. The event took place at St. Timothy’s Church and was organized by the Interfaith Clergy Standing for the Community. Reverend Dr. Rodney Cole, one of the organizers, emphasized that the meeting was arranged in less than 24 hours, highlighting the urgency of addressing the ongoing issue of gun violence.

In a statement, the clergy expressed their support for the victims, their families, and the communities affected by fear. They also acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement, who are increasingly at risk due to the persistent crisis of gun violence. The primary objective of the meeting was to bring together city officials, faith leaders, and citizens to explore potential solutions and foster collaboration.

The attendees included several city council members, the Pitt County sheriff, the Greenville police chief, school administrators, and representatives from nonprofit and public safety organizations. However, some community members felt that the event did not fully reflect the voices of those most impacted by the violence.

Yusuf Askari, one of the few non-agency-affiliated participants, shared his disappointment with the meeting's structure. He noted that while he expected some officials to attend, he was surprised by the overwhelming presence of authority figures. "I didn’t realize it would be mostly officials," he said. He mentioned that fewer than 10 community members were present, and he felt overlooked when he tried to speak. "They said they were going to get to me and then they didn’t. I was being patient waiting. I just feel like I got ignored."

Another resident, Dedan Waciuri, raised his concerns during the meeting. He became frustrated when he felt the conversation was being cut short and decided to stand up to voice his thoughts. "It’s kind of disrespectful, man," he said. He emphasized the need for a neutral space where community members feel safe to express their views without the presence of law enforcement. "A lot of people in these communities are not going to talk about the issues for real in front of law enforcement."

Waciuri also called for deeper conversations about the root causes of the violence. "Sometimes we have to have uncomfortable conversations. We have to look deeply within ourselves and say what is the root cause of these issues that’s creating this feeling of despair."

Some attendees questioned the choice of location for the meeting, which was about 15 minutes away from the neighborhoods where the shootings occurred. Askari, who resides in Greenville, believed that this distance may have discouraged greater participation. Despite these concerns, Rev. Cole maintained that the meeting was intended as a starting point.

"This was an introduction—to meet agencies, hear part of the concerns," Coles explained. He outlined plans for future steps, including forming committees based on the discussions and involving youth and their parents in the process. He acknowledged the concerns about the police presence but stressed the importance of communication and understanding.

While many attendees supported the initiative, others emphasized the need for more comprehensive programs aimed at youth. Breanna Culler, from the Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program, highlighted the risks associated with firearm access. "Kids are naturally curious, kids are naturally impulsive," she said. "And when you put something that has such a high fatality in their hand, it’s an accident waiting to happen or a tragedy waiting to happen."

Culler and other advocates urged parents to secure their firearms and vehicles, noting that unsecured weapons are often involved in youth-related shootings. Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance acknowledged existing programs but admitted that they are not reaching the intended audience.

The evening concluded with a call for continued dialogue, but for many residents, meaningful change will only occur if those most affected by the violence are given a genuine platform to share their perspectives. As Waciuri stated, "It’s my duty to come to something like this that says it’s for the community."