The Washtenaw County Sheriff joined other police officials, local clergy, and community organizers in a push to stop the violence Wednesday amid a recent spike in crime.
New gun violence intervention programs founded in Ypsilanti are beginning to show successes. And the success is being measured by the number of young people who are being convinced that there's an alternative to gun-related revenge. WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media reporter Sarah Rigg introduce us to one of those success stories whose life-changing experiences have him helping others on the local Violence Intervention Team.
A Washtenaw County non-profit specializing in reducing violence among young people has been called out for associating with a registered sex offender. But as WEMU’s Josh Hakala found out, the person in question is no longer part of the organization.
“This wasn’t your typical gun discussion," Dingell said. "It’s what’s the root causes? Why is it happening? Everybody in this room who came from very different perspectives believes we need safe storage. That shouldn’t be a threat."
In an effort to reduce gun violence, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, on Wednesday night, unanimously voted to provide $1.6 million to community organizations that aim to address its root causes. WEMU’s Josh Hakala has more.