MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A South Memphis community gathered to find solutions and take action on reducing gun violence and trauma by hosting the return of Dr. Autura Eason-Williams Day. She was the reverend who was killed in her own driveway during a carjacking less than two years ago.
The event took place at Centenary United Methodist Church. Those who were speaking during the event said the conversation to lower those acts of violence goes beyond the church walls. They told the congregation it's an issue throughout the city.
Dr. Autura's son, Terence Hampton, Jr. said his mother would want the work to continue helping youth. He said despite his mother being a victim of what she was fighting to prevent, violence is not the answer.
"We don't want to choose violence to try to repair violence that's not gonna work. It's just gonna keep making it happen," Hampton said.
Speakers suggested voting, holding city leaders accountable, and meeting the youth where they are could be ways to reduce gun violence.
Janice Phillips is dealing with a pain of losing her son Justin Walker. She said he was shot nine times and died in April.
"He had been shot in both hands, both legs, his fingers, just multiple places in his body," Phillips said.
Phillips told ABC24 that those who commit gun violence shouldn't get a second chance to hurt someone else.
"Our city leaders have to send a message that this is not ok. This is not what our youth are designed for," she said.
Phillips also knew Dr. Eason-Williams. She said they went to the same church and believes the reverend would suggest a trade school or programs so the youth can avoid street life or face the consequences of their actions.
"If they have decided to use a gun or an automatic weapon, they don't deserve to be out on the streets. They're not making good decisions," Phillips said.
Both families told ABC24 if they can't get solutions from Memphis city leaders about lowering gun violence, they will take their issues to the state capital.
