INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Over 150 people attended the kick-off event for the Indianapolis Black Expo at New Direction Church. The event marks the start of the expo that celebrates Black excellence and culture. It also became a stage to address youth violence.

“I think what people get wrong is there’s a stigma on certain communities, that have often been overlooked and under-served, that the violence is happening in those communities. Gun violence is an issue that America faces,” New Direction Pastor Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. said.

Police say youth gun violence in large group gatherings has been a concern in this city for years. Last July 4 weekend, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says 5 people died and 23 people were injured. While IMPD said the non-fatal shootings among youth decreased this year compared to last, the latest string of violence has left people shaken.

One mother said coming together for events like this is encouraging, “It means a lot because it pulls everyone together, especially with the violence and everything that’s going on. It really shines the light on our youth,” Tracie Easler said.

Easler goes to expo kick off every year and she makes it a tradition to bring her son, “It’s really important for them to see all the positive things, especially for our young black males.”

Sullivan said families, community leaders, police, and kids must come together as a community to address gun violence. His church has ongoing summer youth programs geared specifically for young men to keep them off the streets. “We’re teaching young men how to tie ties, how to change tires on cars, how to resolve conflict in situations they find themselves in,” he said.

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