LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — “We don’t want to see young people lose their lives,” said Divine Kalama, director of One Lexington.
Kalama hopes the trend continues to trend downward.
Murders in the city, especially those between the ages of 10 and 29.
Kalama said One Lexington is doing all it can to provide opportunities for young people to continue to curb gun violence.
“I think just knowing, just giving an opportunity can potentially change someone’s life, so for me, it’s a wake up call and a joy to be in a position to be able to give someone an opportunity that they may not have had,” said Kenneth Payne, community outreach advocate for One Lexington.
The latest murder in Lexington on Tuesday night brings the total to six this year, up from nine at the same time last year, and Lexington statistics show that murders have declined even further among those ages 10 to 29.
There have been just two homicides in this age group this year, lower than the past two years, with five in 2023 and six in 2022.
Kalama said he believes the downward trend is due to partnerships.
“What we’re most proud of is seeing our young people grow up, getting opportunities. Some of these young people have mental health issues, untreated trauma issues, they’re impacted by gun violence,” Kalama said.
Kalama spoke about what has driven him to lead Lexington for the past three years.
“For me, I think it’s important to be a Black man and understand that gun violence disproportionately affects young Black men. Knowing that they are our future leaders is what drives me,” Kalama added.
To date, there have been fewer than 30 non-fatal shootings.
