HAMPTON, Va. — A community advocate in Hampton wants to change the culture of gun violence one child at a time. Using his own experiences, he’s launching a new initiative to teach kids how to stay out of harm’s way.
Inside the Hampton Public Library Thursday, Chris Moore hoped to stop a cycle of gun violence. Moore is the founder of The Bagz4daKidz Movement. It’s a grassroots organization that advocates against youth gun violence, which he calls a crisis.
“People are hurting. Families are hurting. Both sides, the shooter and the deceased. It’s just a bad problem," said Moore.
So, he’s launching a new initiative that teaches kids what they’re calling, “5 Ways to Avoid Gun Violence.”
Starting with tip number one...
“Never use a gun to settle an issue because there is always a better way," said Moore.
Other tips include staying away from negative people, avoiding large crowds, breathing and counting to 10 seconds when angry, and learning to walk away.
It’s a simple message to help keep children out of harm's way.
"At their age they are impressionable and they are still in the developmental stages. So it is very important that we reach them while they are younger," said Nicole Ridley Ashe, who is part of the organization.
The children received certificates for completing the training.
Moore, who’s spent time in prison, said it’s now his mission to teach kids the lessons from his own journey.
“I try to give them a real-life story, that I walked, that I lived, and that there’s a better way," said Moore.
As violence impacts communities in Hampton Roads, they’re hoping the next generation will see a valuable lesson.
“It is important. Life is definitely worth living," said Ridley Ashe.
Moore is hoping to share his message with more young people in the community. He founded the outreach program about five years ago. The organization provides resources and events for youth in several neighborhoods, including a football camp on weekends.