Augusta Faces Youth Violence Challenge – The city of Augusta is grappling with a troubling increase in youth violence.

This issue affects every corner of the community.

Addressing it will require a united effort from all residents.

In the third installment of “Saving Our Children,” we will hear insights from Augusta’s mayor and introduce a high school student taking proactive measures to make a difference.

The topic at hand: youth violence.

It’s about young people inflicting harm on their peers.

Young lives lost.

“Youth violence especially perpetuated on black- on -black crime is out of control.”

Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson says he knows what’s needed to stop youth violence.

“When you see bad things, you have to speak up and intervene and try to change the directions of their lives.”

A student at Laney High school is speaking up.

10th grader Sumariee Epps heard about the deadly shooting involving teenagers at Augusta Mall and was motivated to do something.

“I saw it on the news, I started to worry about the community not just Laney, but all Richmond county kids and everyone.”

So , she came up with a plan.

Dr. Cordaryl Middleton, the Laney High School Principal said,  “Sumari actually shared a letter with the school counselors,  and they shared it with me.”

In that letter, Sumarrie asked permission to plan a “stop the violence, start the future” rally.

“It’s to bring families communities, organizations leadership, alumni everybody together at this rally to teach  young students, youth about how to start a career or what college is for, what school is for to help them come together and start their future and not bring violence into it. “

The letter was shared with the assistant superintendent.

“He met with Sumarrie and myself and talked about the details to start with the planning phase of what that will look like at Laney High,” Dr. Middleton explained.

Mary Morrison asked Sumariee about her goal for the rally.

“I hope it will bring some support to the youth and to parents who need it and bring programs and a lot of support for all the kids to build their career and help them decide what they want to be in life.”

A goal most would agree is worth the effort.

A date for the rally has not been set.  The school is expected to make an announcement soon.

Video shot and edited by Photo Journalist Dania Alawir

In part 4 of “Saving Our Children”, learn about the programs the Richmond County School System already as in place to help students.