MEMPHIS, Tenn. — His name is Kelby Shorty and every Memphian should repeat it as many times as possible. He was just the latest child killed in senseless gun violence in Memphis. Kelby Shorty was just seven years old. I don’t know how many times I have used this commentary to decry the killing of innocence children by adults firing guns at will into homes, into cars and into crowds gathered in the streets. There are too many to count.
The fact is, too many of our children are living in dangerous situations where the adults around them, in many cases the adults who are supposed to care for and protect them, are putting them in harm’s way.
Police say that Kelby was among a group of children and adults watching fireworks Sunday night in their North Memphis neighborhood when gunfire erupted. And once again, a family, a neighborhood and a city are mourning the shooting death of a child.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love Memphis, particularly its history and southern charm, but I absolutely detest this city’s violent nature and sadly, children too often are the ones paying the price.
I wish I had an answer. Too many guns in the wrong hands is one problem. But until we decide as a community that enough is really enough, the body count will keep climbing. So once more, say his name. Kelby Shorty.
And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.