CINCINNATI, Ohio-At a ‘Search for Solutions’ roundtable in Cincinnati, 17-year-old Jevion Mikel Byrd shared his personal experiences with gun violence, urging adults to understand the realities faced by youth in neighborhoods like Avondale. Byrd emphasized the pervasive influence of trauma and peer pressure leading to the carrying of guns for protection. Participants discussed the need for community investment in youth programs and early intervention to prevent violence. Mayor Aftab Pureval highlighted the issue of easy access to firearms among teens, while others stressed the importance of addressing systemic barriers and providing timely support to at-risk youth. The discussion underscored a call for actionable solutions amidst ongoing challenges.
