In the wake of a tragedy that struck the Douglass Community Center on Tuesday, where gunfire claimed the life of a young 16-year-old and left a 17-year-old injured, the community leaders alongside the residents of North Memphis have been quick to quickly organize an emergency response to the rising tide of gun violence that plagues their streets. According to Action News 5, Vakedra Walker, who has been living in Douglass her whole life, expressed a resolute desire to reclaim her neighborhood from the clutches of violence and turmoil.

"We need to stop with all this gang activity, the drugs, just all of this senseless nonsense. It just needs to be gone," Walker said in a statement obtained by Action News 5. Echoing her sentiment, another Douglass local, Marvin Holloway, called for unity and support for the youth, emphasizing that they are not alone in this struggle. The residents are advocating for more police patrolling, particularly after school hours, in a bid to prevent gatherings that might lead to gambling or gang-related clashes.

Speaking to 66 Next, Councilwoman Michalyn Easter Thomas, representing North Memphis, encouraged the community to go the extra mile, to "see it make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and especially in the lives of our youth." There is a resounding agreement that this incident should not define the district, nor should it taint the future of the city.

Residents implored for immediate changes, as reported by Action News 5, mirroring the urgency echoed by community leaders. Meanwhile, neighbors provided context to the incident telling WREG that the shooting stemmed from a fight, with frequent scenes of teenagers gambling and fighting after school. Rodney Young, a painter and witness to the chaos, despite the risks, vowed to not let violence deter him from his work.

Vakedra Walker, touched personally by the tragedy as her daughter went to school with the victim, lamented the loss of such a young life. "Well, she's sad just because she knew of the young man. This is her last year as well," Walker told WREG. Kailyn Yates, a 12-year-old from the neighborhood, pleaded for an end to the violence, asking those responsible to "stop all the violence and killing people for unnecessary stuff" and to "put all the guns away."