Four people killed and three injured in violence over the weekend, according to the Arkansas Stop the Violence Commission

Little Rock, Arkansas – People in the capital city claimed that weekends like this one, in which four people lost their lives and three more were hurt, helped to highlight the problem of violence and the urgency of finding a solution.

Reverend Benny Johnson, the founder of Arkansas Stop the Violence, said, “If you are out committing crimes, you out shooting at people, think 100 times before you do it because once that bullet leaves that chamber, there’s no coming back.”

The group got together on Sunday to pay tribute to state residents who have taken action to put an end to violence in their neighborhoods and to offer their sympathies to the families of those who lost loved ones over the weekend.

Johnson claims that he founded Arkansas Stop the Violence in response to a needless tragedy, similar like the killings that took place this past weekend.

It’s awful, as you may know. There are people out there who have absolutely no regard for life, according to Johnson.

According to Rev. Johnson, it all begins with emphasizing the lesson that using a gun to solve an issue is not the solution; rather, communication and words are.

Johnson stated, “We have to perform far better than we are now.” Johnson thought back to his football playing days and how his coaches would frequently tell him that the word “team” doesn’t contain a “I.”

Among those honored was Coach Tye Forte. Arkansas Stop the Violence Man of the Year went to him. “Do right is my two words,” Forte stated. “I’ll tell the kids that it will be a better life for them and the community as a whole if they do right and not do wrong.”

To help put an end to violence, according to Forte, a team and the community as a whole are required.

Forte stated, “I think if we do that it will help the kids and will help the community as well. Instead of talking, let’s teach and let’s lead by example.”

Forte adds that preaching peace and carrying out the work outside the church’s walls will bring about change.

“Losing someone is difficult, and we want to take steps to try and stop those things from happening,” stated Forte.

Frank Scott Jr., the mayor of Little Rock, was among the speakers who discussed Forte.
“I just want to say thank you, because we have leaders like Tye on the football fields, basketball courts, and in the classrooms, helping our youth and understanding a different way of life,” Scott said.

The mayor claims that while Little Rock’s violent crime trend is still declining, one thing hasn’t changed.

“Unfortunately, nine times out of ten, people who pass away in Little Rock look like Tye and me,” Scott remarked.

According to Scott, it’s time for us to band together, support “our brothers and sisters,” who are victims of crime and work to stop it.

Johnson stated, “We have to actively promote nonviolence in every community on a daily basis.” Johnson expressed his sympathy to any families who have lost a loved one to violence, particularly those affected by the events of this past weekend.