Still Not Enough
Eight days ago, I shared a post titled Enough is Enough, expressing my concern about the growing violence in our communities—especially in Atlanta. Sadly, since that blog was posted, 40 more people have been shot in the city within just seven days. Six of them lost their lives. That’s nearly one person shot every four hours. If that doesn’t shake us, I don’t know what will.
Let me be clear: Everyone—regardless of race, age, or background—should be outraged. The violence we’re witnessing is not normal. Yet far too many of us carry on with life like nothing is happening. That silence is costing lives.
Our local police departments are doing what they can, but let’s be honest: they can’t predict when or where someone will pull a trigger. However, many people living in these communities do know who the shooters are. And yet, silence remains the norm. Fear, mistrust, or just not wanting to get involved—whatever the reason, that silence allows the violence to continue. By not speaking up, we allow ourselves and our children to become prisoners in our own neighborhoods.
So, how do we stop this epidemic? It starts at home.
As a Private Investigator, I’ve interviewed countless young people caught up in crime. The pattern is always the same: poverty, broken homes, lack of education, and no consistent adult guidance. We must start by educating young mothers and fathers. Parenting is more than providing food and clothes—it’s about shaping values, offering guidance, and making your child’s well-being your number one priority.
Family support is also critical. If a mother has to work two or three jobs, who’s helping with the children while she’s gone? That’s where community involvement comes in. I remember growing up in a home with nine siblings. Our mother worked hard, often holding two jobs. But the neighbors stepped in—they watched over us, helped us with homework, made sure we stayed out of trouble. And if we acted out, they corrected us—and told our mother too.
This kind of shared responsibility has faded. We’ve become isolated and disconnected, even though we need each other more than ever.
Meanwhile, our federal government sends billions overseas in foreign aid but does next to nothing to rebuild the neighborhoods that helped build this country. That’s unacceptable.
We cannot continue to sit back and let violence take over our communities. We all have a role to play—whether it’s mentoring a child, helping a single parent, or simply speaking up when something’s not right. Someone likely helped you along the way. Now it’s your turn to help someone else.
Let’s stop the cycle. Let’s stop the silence.
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