Messages of hope, encouragement, and desperation filled the time at the first of several planned public forums. It’s part of the MVP: Macon Violence Prevention initiative, aimed at taking a data-driven, community focused approach to reducing crime in Macon-Bibb. The forum on Thursday, July 15, was at the Macon Mall on Eisenhower Parkway in Commission District 9, and about 105 people showed up to listen, share concerns and ideas, and learn what the County and MVP team are doing to get people involved.

Commissioner Al Tillman led the conversation in his district. Mayor Lester Miller, Commissioner Virgil Watkins, Commissioner Raymond Wilder, Commissioner Bill Howell, Interim Fire Chief Shane Edwards, Sheriff David Davis, Dr. Henry Ficklin, Code Enforcement Director J.T. Ricketson, Macon Water Authority Board Member Desmond Brown were also in the crowd listening to our community.

“We need to stop the violence in Macon-Bibb County. It starts with me, and you, and your friends and family, and neighbors,” said Commissioner Tillman. “We can’t do it on our own. It takes all of us working together, helping our children, looking out for each other. Kids shouldn’t have guns, mothers don’t need to be burying their babies, and we all need to step up and set an example for our young people.”

Several people shared their concerns and ideas with the leaders listening in the room. The goal is to take those thoughts and build a strategic plan that will help prevent violent crime. You can join the conversation at upcoming forums. Those are listed below.