MONROE, La. (KNOE) – The Ferriday community is still reeling from a string of shootings this year, including the tragic loss of a 19-year-old this month.
A local leader is stepping up to turn that pain into a plan for change.
Ferriday City Council member Andre Keys organized a “Stop the Gun Violence” event to bring residents face-to-face with the reality of recent violence.
“Three mothers, one shared pain”
The event, titled “3 Different Stories, But Experience the Same Pain,” will include three mothers from the Concordia Parish community as leading panelists.
City council members say they aren’t just here to talk about policy — they are here to stand with the families who have lost everything.
“We actually partnered with some mothers over in Natchez, Mississippi, along with the Louisiana area to put their story out there so maybe it will help one somebody. We care about their loved ones and we care about giving them closure,” Keys said.
Keys says this will be an annual event going forward with different families affected by violence.
Mental health resources on-site
Professional counselors will be on-site to help residents process the mental wounds of this year’s violence.
Louisiana currently has the second-highest rate of gun deaths in the country, according to Everytown Research.
Organizers say fixing crime isn’t just about more patrols — it’s about supporting the mental health of the survivors.
“We do have some mental health places that are going to be there and provide those things for people that have mental illness, to help them and coach them through their life and daily occupation,” Keys said.
The event is Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Haney’s Big House in Ferriday.
Organizers say these resources will remain available in Ferriday after the event.
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