PONTIAC, Mich. – As summer continues, communities across Metro Detroit are facing a troubling reality in gun violence involving youth.
The city of Pontiac is one of the latest to confront this crisis head-on, as concerned neighbors and local leaders come together to demand change.
Pontiac has recently witnessed disturbing scenes of gun violence, leaving residents rattled and fearful.
On Tuesday (July 8), a shooting in District 1 resulted in the tragic death of one teenager and left another seriously injured.
Authorities have arrested four young individuals suspected of involvement in these incidents.
District 1 Councilwoman Melanie Rutherford, who leads this area, has expressed the deep concerns felt by the community.
“They’re scared. They feel like no one is listening. And there’s a lot of anger,” Rutherford said. Describing the violence as “a senseless act,” she emphasized the urgent need for proactive solutions.
Rutherford and a team of community partners are mobilizing residents to take action.
They are hosting a special event titled “A Call to Hope” at El PiQasso Art Gallery and Café this Saturday, July 19.
The gathering is designed as a community dialogue bringing together pastors, mental health professionals, advocates, and neighborhood residents for an open and honest conversation.
“We’re bringing pastors. We’re bringing mental health resources. We’re bringing organizations together to have this real, unorthodox, say what you need to say conversation to see how we can fix the problem,” Rutherford said.
Organizers plan to discuss initiatives like forming neighborhood watch groups to foster safety and vigilance.
Konrad Cowell, founder of RB2L and an anti-violence advocate, voiced optimism about the event.
“Too many of our elderly don’t feel safe. Too many of our young people don’t feel safe. So, I want to do my part. I won’t complain about it. What can we do?” said Cowell.
Ivan Quinones, owner of the El PiQasso Art Gallery, hopes the calming atmosphere of his space will encourage open sharing among neighbors.
The community leaders emphasize that this event is not just about talking but about finding real solutions with determination and commitment.
The “A Call to Hope” community meeting will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday at the El PiQasso Art Gallery and Café, located at 46 North Saginaw, Pontiac, MI 48342.
Organizers urge everyone to participate in this solutions-driven conversation aimed at making Pontiac a safer place for all its residents.
