Building Better Communities Hosts The First Gun Violence Prevention Summit

   Due to the increase in Gun Violence this year, Building Better Communities is hosting a Gun Violence Summit. The summit will allow BBC to meet with community leaders, politicians, law enforcement and community stake holders to fight Gun Violence in our communities.

The strategy will also address the direct link between gun violence and the rise in violent crime by taking immediate steps to keep guns out of the wrong hands, including by strengthening law enforcement efforts to stem the flow of firearms used in crimes, and by launching multijurisdictional firearms trafficking strike forces to stop illegal gun trafficking across state lines.

Building Better Communities comprehensive strategy will:

1. Educate community ambassadors in Life Skills Courses, community organizational skills, Stop The Bleed and Hands Only CPR and responsible gun ownership;
2. Support local law enforcement with resources to help address increasing gun violence in our communities;
3. Train community leaders in how to organize and effectively address community violence interventions;
4. Create summer programs, employment opportunities, and other services and supports for teenagers and young adults; and
5. Help communities form Safe Neighborhoods and effective neighborhood events in conjunction with local law enforcement.

South Carolina’s rising death toll from guns matches national trends.

Through the first five months of 2021, more than 8,100 people were killed by a firearm, according to a June 14 Washington Post analysis of Gun Violence Archive data. That amounts to 14 more daily gun deaths than over the same span in 2020, the newspaper reported.

South Carolina’s firearm mortality rate of 19.9 out of 100,000 people put the state eighth highest in 2019, the latest data available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control statistics. Of the 1,012-gun deaths that year, 45 percent, or 453, were homicides — the fifth highest rate in the country. Black and brown Americans are disproportionately harmed by the direct and indirect consequences of gun violence.

Richland County is experiencing an epidemic of gun violence in this state. This violence robs us of loved ones and causes life-altering physical injuries. It causes lasting trauma, with devastating consequences for children, families, and communities. Gun Violence has ripple effects for our community. BBC has divided the summit into 5 categories and they will be addressed by a host of community partnerships like ALLIED AIR, Prisma Health, RCSD, CPD, Richland County Solicitor’s Office, MOMS, Be SMART,  BRADY, R.I.C.H., Community Activists, Elected Officials and many more.

Click on the above flyer to register for the Gun Violence Prevention Summit.

The Iron Man Project was created out of an understanding about the issues facing both boys and men of color and their surrounding ecosystem as it relates to Gun Violence, Building Better Communities vision is to EMPOWER our boys and young men of color by helping to eliminate gaps in their opportunities and outcomes.

Statistic shows that boys and young men of color, regardless of socio-economic background, are disproportionately at risk throughout the journey from their youngest years to college and career. For instance, large disparities remain in reading proficiency, with 86 percent of Black boys and 82 percent of Hispanic boys reading below proficiency levels by the fourth grade – compared to 58 percent of White boys reading below proficiency levels. Additionally, the disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic young men who are unemployed or involved in the criminal justice system alone is a perilous drag on state budgets, and undermines family and community stability. These young men are more than six times as likely to be victims of murder than their White peers and account for almost half of the country’s murder victims each year.

As members of various communities, we cannot ignore the ways in which youth of color, in particular Richland County, SC, are at a disadvantage because of systemic inequities and racial biases. Systemic disadvantages show up early for boys and men of color especially when there are zero tolerance policies in schools and hypervigilant and unbending policing practices that impact our youth unequally. These issues can interrupt or completely stall opportunity for our young people. It is important to note that girls and young women of color also face disadvantages that need to be addressed. For now, BBC’s Iron Man Project focuses on young men.

BBC feels that through strong relationships with mentors, the impact of the challenges our young men face can be minimalized and their strengths and the strengths of their communities, families, and cultures can be drawn on to empower their potential for success. Like schools and other youth-serving institutions, mentoring programs find success through delivering culturally relevant services, developing the strengths of those they serve, and building on the assets of the local community. Identifying, respecting, and building upon the strengths of mentees, as well as their communities and social networks, can go a long way toward supporting mentoring relationships.

Gun Violence is at an all-time high and it needs to be addressed. The idea of the Iron man Project was derived from a bible verse. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17. BBC’s approach on fighting Gun Violence in our communities is to take a strong stance against the things destroy hope and happiness in our communities. It starts with changing the mindset of the youth. Its time the strong men of color in our communities reach out and mentor these at-risk boys and young men before its too late. - Perry Bradley Jr.

    Today the world celebrates the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King. I celebrate his legacy everyday of my life. Building Better Communities is the direct result of how Dr. King influenced my life. He was a visionary, a freedom fighter, a profound orator and fearless leader. These are only a few words that describe the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but has made me the man that I am today.  Listening to Dr Martin Luther King’s speech for first time, was my first time experiencing the feeling of inspiration and purpose! I am reminded to always dream incredible dreams and to always use my voice and influence to stand for something. Seeing one man who was determined to educate his people, save their souls and form a connection with all races and creeds…that  was inspiring to me! He was dedicated to his dream of securing equality for his people and people in general even though the price was being verbally abused, physically assaulted and eventually assassinated! His legacy of love and hope for all is embedded in my soul! Forever I will illuminate his message! He is also a reminder that as long I put the effort with integrity, passion, purpose and genuine love, I can achieve my dream. That is why the very first BBC Community Resource Center has a mural of Dr. King at the front door. Every time I step into my office, it reminds me of the work that must be done in our communities. I hope that every man, woman, child that enters our doors is inspired by his image to accomplish great things. Today I want to encourage all of you to do a day of community service. Today I would love for you to become a member of our organization. 2021 is the year BBC will become the epidemy of what a grassroots community nonprofit organization should be. Our focus for this year is “EMPOWRMENT”. We will empower our communities through our commitment to service. BBC will be hosting various online seminars on life skills training, parenthood, financial literacy, gun violence, community service projects, voting, how to hold elected officials accountable, etc. In the words of Dr. King “What are you doing for others?”  Enjoy serving others today and let us know what you are doing. Send photos or write ups to events@bbconline.org. We will choose some of the best ones and send you a BBC Community Empowerment Prize Packet. Enjoy!

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Lester Young Jr.

At the age of 19, Lester was sentenced to serve life in prison for murder. During his time in prison, Lester began to create outlines, programs, and classes to instruct and mentor fellow inmates. He served a total of 22 years and 5 months before being paroled in 2015 at the age of 41. Today, Lester is a Transformational Speaker, Certified Life Coach, Facilitator for Boys Circle, as well as the author of "The 5 Stages of Incarceration". He is setting a new standard for “living a life of redemption” Click his logo above to be transported into the world of an amazing young man.

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   MICKELSEN DALTON, LLC is a relatively new law firm based out of Charleston, SC. They specialize in helping crime victims and their families. They represent clients from all over the country who have been shot and killed at bars, restaurants, motels, apartment complexes, etc. For more information, contact BBC at 803-908-7775.

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