New gun violence prevention initiative begins in Savannah
New gun violence prevention initiative begins in Savannah By Amanda Aguilar | May 9, 2021 at 10:59 PM EDT - Updated May 9 at 11:46 PM
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - “Mothers have to mother our children. Fathers have to father our children. And the village helps us to raise our children,” said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson.
Several mothers who’ve lost children to gun violence stood behind Mayor Johnson and his new gun violence prevention initiative.
“We are saying for the next 100 days, we need accountability in this community,” said Johnson.
The group pointed out that a lack of accountability and presence in children’s lives often leads to trouble.
Memorial for Chatham County Commissioner James Holmes held in Beasley Park
Memorial for Chatham County Commissioner James Holmes held in Beasley Park By WTOC Staff | May 2, 2021 at 12:19 AM EDT - Updated May 2 at 12:21 AM
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Family and friends of James Holmes gathered at Mathilda Beasley Park Saturday afternoon to honor the late Chatham County commissioner. Holmes passed away shortly after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in August last year.
Family members, as well as city and county leaders, spoke about Commissioner Holmes and the memories they have of him. Many also expressed how they hope people stay mindful about the deadly coronavirus that took the life of their loved one.
The experience of watching as the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all charges against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd was an emotional one for Savannah Mayor Van Johnson.
“I’m stunned, but I’m relieved. The verdict, it’s not justice, it doesn’t bring George Floyd back, but I think it does speak to accountability of bad policing and bad police officers,” said Johnson, who watched the verdict at the Savannah Police Department alongside Police Chief Roy Minter.
The jury of six white people and six people who are Black or multiracial began deliberating on Monday after nearly a full day of closing arguments. They resumed deliberations on Tuesday morning.