Louisville City Wire

Louisville – Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright (D-3) has issued the following statement regarding the recent violence in District 3.

“First, I want to offer my sincerest condolences to all the families of the victims of the recent violence in our city. I was devastated to learn of the shooting in Louisville Metro Council District 3 at Oya Liquor Store. As a 2-time survivor of gun violence, who has witnessed countless death, trauma, and crime, this never becomes easy or routine. I am deeply saddened. Unfortunately, because of systemic mistreatment, communities have been left unprotected by those sworn to protect, and now the street code is to not cooperate with police. I strongly believe in the resilience and love in our community, the same community who has always protected me, even when I had to call the police and testify before a grand jury against the person who violated me. While I understand it can be fraught to talk to police, I am asking any potential witnesses to imagine if it was your family looking for answers. Please share any relevant information related to this murder with the authorities so the family can get the answers they need and deserve. I urge the person who did this to turn themselves in and to reach out if they need assistance. I, with my Community Engagement Strategist, Dre Dawson, have worked with faith leaders and people like Christopher 2x to help people take steps to resolve conflicts with people who have experienced gun violence.

Our District 3 is bustling with small businesses and working people who want all 12 of our neighborhoods to be safe, livable, and clean. My team and I are regularly meeting with community members and leaders to address safety concerns. We must explore innovative strategies to engage everyone in our community so we can interrupt and deter gun violence. The Louisville Metro Police Department can help us prevent and solve crime, but the community must be the first line of protection where possible. I encourage us all to advocate for more volunteer and paid opportunities for trusted people to interrupt and deter violence and bad activity with conflict resolution and restorative justice options. We need our community centers open with some late-night options across the county as every neighborhood in Jefferson County is plagued with similar issues. We must be who we did not have for our youth and our city. Please stay connected to D3 for future projects and programs that will help us be proactive. D3 needs a new and improved library, more housing options and resources and ways to support positive efforts on every block. It will take the business, education, faith, leaders, and residents working together.”

Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright, District 3

Original source can be found here.