I’ve posted a lot recently about teen violence (here, here, here, here, and here.) And I’ve questioned why the News & Record wasn’t doing in-depth coverage or writing more about the sometimes-connected issue of gangs. Since then, I’ve heard from several N&R staffers who’ve assured me that they’re concerned about the violence and that they are, indeed, on the story.

On Tuesday, I posted about Jeri Rowe’s N&R story on the life, death and funeral of shooting victim Ernie Dixon. Today, Jeri writes about the growing crisis revealed by the recent funerals of four teenaged victims of violence:

“Amos Quick pulled into the Teen Center, the one his agency runs, took a few dozen teenagers upstairs Wednesday and started an impromptu rap session about responsibility, leadership and the need to make a change.

He felt he had to. In the past six days, he’d been to two funerals to pay tribute to two individuals who died too young. To Quick, they were just children. One was 11. The other was 16 and a victim of gun violence.”

Amos* is executive director of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club and a member of the Board of the Guilford County Schools. He will steer a task force, beginning today, focusing on gang activity, suspensions and other behavioral issues that are interfering with education and opportunity for kids in our school system.

Amos is also involved in putting together a year-long summit, starting this fall, that will provide help, such as mentors and academic assistance, for young black men. He hopes to bring in columnist Leonard Pitts and basketball great Magic Johnson as speakers. Meanwhile, he’s teaching the kids at the Teen Center the most important thing: “It’s that you love me.” Amen!

N&R reporter Amy Dominello did a story today on a police-involved shooting, and she also references the increased violence in our city:

“Capt. Gary Hastings said crime is unpredictable but there has been an increase in violence in the city this summer, especially among teenagers.

‘I think we’ve seen a huge increase in violence toward police this summer along with a huge increase in gang activity,’ he said.”

I look forward to the News & Record’s continued coverage of the serious and troubling issues of teen violence and gang activity in Greensboro. And I especially appreciate Jeri Rowe’s thoughtful and compassionate words. But honestly, I’m praying for the day that there’s no teen violence or gangs for any of us to write about. May it be so, LORD.

Update: Just learned that John Robinson recently shared his thoughts on gangs, too. [Sigh.]

*Small world: Amos Quick’s assistant at Salvation Army (Barbara) is married to the co-founder and co-leader (Steve) of NightWatch. :)

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