Latest news with #Foward
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘It's very disturbing;' The initiative to stop teen gun violence and deaths
The number of teens using guns to commit crimes is skyrocketing in the Miami Valley. Teens are also being victimized by gun crimes at alarming rates. News Center 7's Mike Campbell spent several days looking at the problem and potential solutions for the recent rise in young gun violence. The numbers are startling, but it's the simple human cost and the loss that the community must stop. The terrible reality is that teen gun violence usually ends with teens either locked up or dead. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks], TRENDING STORIES: Driver crashes while picking up phone on floor, killing 46-year-old motorcyclist Area hardware store to close after 80 years of service Former Ohio State wrestler, Olympic gold medalist arrested during prostitution sting Hollywood often glorifies gun violence involving young people. Movies and television shows usually fail to show the tremendous pain and loss that family members feel when gunfire turns fatal. The pain was felt when Dayton Police said two teens opened fire on West Fairview Avenue last August. The gunshots missed their intended target, and the bullets claimed the life of 12-year-old Isabella Carlos. There are so many horrifying examples, such as when 16-year-old Tyron Smith died from an accidental shooting as teens took gun pictures for social media. This happened on Burwood Avenue in December 2024. Adrien Totty, 17, died after being gunned down 19 days ago at an apartment complex on Midway Avenue. Then, Liziah Burdette, 14, died 48 hours later after being shot and left in a car on Davis Avenue. Derrick Forward, President of the Dayton NAACP branch, said, 'It's very disturbing. It's very heartbreaking to see this happening on a day-in, day-out basis,' Foward said young people must see possibilities, not hopelessness. 'Death and destruction and teddy bears on poles, that is not the life the Lord intended for us to have,' said Foward. The concern is not just having young people victimized by crime, but young people committing crimes. Two 17-year-olds were charged with murder in adult court after being transferred following a violent shooting that killed a 23-year-old man. Eric Shafer, Administrator of Montgomery County Juvenile Court, said, 'I wouldn't say that it's exploding in numbers, but I would say it's trending up a little bit.' Shafer said he knows teens must be held accountable, but there's still a lot of teaching to do. 'Young people don't know the extent of the damage a weapon can do,' Shafer said. An example of that took place a few days ago when an argument over a dog bite erupted into a shootout. Neighbors ducked for cover as three young people opened fire. One Dayton resident, who did not want to be identified, said, 'I'm just seeing chaos. It was like the OK Corral out there,' Dayton Police said they arrested three young men, aged 21, 18, and 17, for firing weapons. Dayton Police Assistant Chief Eric Henderson said, 'We're seeing some of these weapons with switches that make them fully automatic and magazines that hold 30 rounds.' Henderson went on to say officers have arrested almost 200 teens in the last two years for carrying weapons. In 2020, it was just 24, and that led to more teen victims, too. Ten people under 18 were homicide victims in 2024, and already four more this year. Police are turning to technology to stop the violence; license plate readers and flock cameras are helping. Police are not just using license plate readers. They are adding to the camera coverage downtown, trying to monitor things with electronic eyes to stop trouble before it happens. Or solve crimes faster when they do happen. Dayton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David Lawrence said, 'I know for a fact that parents and kids, when you ask them about school, their No. 1 priority is safety.' He continued by saying that young people with bright futures economically lead to a safer community. 'When you have hope, you don't pull the trigger. When you have hope, you don't think about doing violent things,' Lawrence said. It's clear that the community must convince young people that books and backpacks are the paths to success, not guns and gurneys. One thing that all the people that News Center 7 spoke with agree that teens can get their hands on guns too easily, and that social media plays a big role. Authorities urge anyone who knows someone who posts pictures with weapons to reach out to that person. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Millions expected to participate in 24-hour economic blackout
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Millions are expected to take part in an economic blackout in response to the erosion of DEI policies across the United States. A 24-hour blackout will see customers boycott major retailers that have rolled back their DEI practices. The blackout was established by the People's Union USA, who are encouraging people to hold their dollars from large corporations in an effort to show that consumers have power. Those participating in the boycott say that it's about accountability, meanwhile others are skeptical about whether it will be success, given that it's only a one-day initiative. The boycott coincides with stances from other community leaders, both locally and nationally. Dayton NAACP President Derrick Foward believes that people should take an active role in the democracy available to them. Foward said that he and the organization agree with Reverend Al Sharpton's stance on the issue specifically. Sharpton's stance is available to read on the National Action Network's website. 'I think it sends a powerful message to corporations,' Foward said. 'I can't tell you what to do. Organizationally, I can tell you, use your brain. Your eyes work, your ears work and, and, you know what's happening today.' The NAACP unit will announce more details about a Black Consumer Advisory program that will roll out next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dayton NAACP reflects on 100+ years, what's next in 2025
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — More than 100 years of work in the Miami Valley can be found in one singular building on Salem Avenue, containing change that spans generations. The Dayton NAACP first started as Zion Baptist Church back on Feb. 9, 1915, but was officially charted by the National Board of Directors on May 10 of that same year. Local Black artist keeping Dayton's art scene alive As the NAACP Dayton Chapter comes up on its 110th anniversary this year, it is looking to the past to address future challenges. Dr. Derrick L. Foward is the current president of the NAACP Dayton Branch. He said his approach to this leadership role comes down to making sure people can live fairly, treated no differently than others. 'We got to make certain that we are protecting our people's citizens, civil, and human rights, on a daily basis,' said Foward. Those words have led to change and action in the community for decades. 'We have investigated close to 3100 complaints of discrimination,' said Foward. 'Those complaints of discrimination, is widened, is broad, and that is housing discrimination, employment discrimination, police brutality.' An important factor the NAACP wants to emphasize is it's not just African Americans it wants to help — its helping hand is extended to all who need guidance or just someone to fight for them. Dr. Foward said this aspect is deeply rooted in its founding. 'A lot of our founders were diverse, whether they were white, black, Jewish,' said Foward. 'And from our standpoint, we do what we can do to help all people.' 19 Black trailblazers that may not have been in your history book That diversity is something it will be focusing on in 2025 and beyond. The branch said the recent string of executive orders targeting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives will be its main concern. 'We're going to be looking very closely at ensuring that our community does not roll back the clocks of time here in Montgomery County,' said Foward. 'And we are going to make certain that we have watchdogs out there.' Dr. Foward said the branch will be fighting to make sure people are given a fair chance — and that quality workers are in various places. The Dayton NAACP is located at 915 Salem Avenue. To learn more visit its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
