The conversations were raw, emotional and hard-hitting, just like the issues of violence facing the city of Cincinnati.Familiar community leaders and elected officials filled the New Prospect Baptist Church along with those who may not be as well known or recognizable. Their goal was to find common ground and open the dialog for those who are at times silenced Torrance Jones was amongst those who spoke out.“My father was killed when I was 4 years old, and it was by way of drug gun violence," Jones said. "In 2013, I have a son who was murdered by way of drug gun violence.”Jones says he knows the heavy price of drug violence, from both sides of the gun.“I’m an ex-con, I spent time in the penal system for drugs as well as violence. But I’ve come to the point where I realize it's time to build up the community,” Jones said.Through table discussions and videos, participants saw Cincinnati through different eyes.Cincinnati Public Schools principal Stephen Sippel says adults must follow the lead of young people.“The only difference we can make with young people is to build a relationship with them. Take down our walls of judgment, our walls of criticism and get to know them where they are, who they and why they are,” Sippel said.The questions are complex and the answers difficult. Jones and others say it is beginning with a conversation like this one. He said the community is listening to a message that may save a life and help build a better city.“I’ve been where you have been, I've seen what you are facing," Jones said. "We were born to be kings in our community. Find out who you are."
The conversations were raw, emotional and hard-hitting, just like the issues of violence facing the city of Cincinnati.
Familiar community leaders and elected officials filled the New Prospect Baptist Church along with those who may not be as well known or recognizable. Their goal was to find common ground and open the dialog for those who are at times silenced
Torrance Jones was amongst those who spoke out.
“My father was killed when I was 4 years old, and it was by way of drug gun violence," Jones said. "In 2013, I have a son who was murdered by way of drug gun violence.”
Jones says he knows the heavy price of drug violence, from both sides of the gun.
“I’m an ex-con, I spent time in the penal system for drugs as well as violence. But I’ve come to the point where I realize it's time to build up the community,” Jones said.
Through table discussions and videos, participants saw Cincinnati through different eyes.
Cincinnati Public Schools principal Stephen Sippel says adults must follow the lead of young people.
“The only difference we can make with young people is to build a relationship with them. Take down our walls of judgment, our walls of criticism and get to know them where they are, who they and why they are,” Sippel said.
The questions are complex and the answers difficult. Jones and others say it is beginning with a conversation like this one. He said the community is listening to a message that may save a life and help build a better city.
“I’ve been where you have been, I've seen what you are facing," Jones said. "We were born to be kings in our community. Find out who you are."
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