HAMPTON, Va. — Gun violence and policing issues are weighing heavy on the minds of people across the nation and in Hampton Roads.
The Hampton NAACP pulled together a rally to tackle those issues on Friday. Organizers encouraged people at the rally to speak out and push for change.
Bullets have ended too many lives across the 757.
“My son was murdered last year, April 17, Stephen White,” said Bridgette White.
White said her 22-year-old son was shot and killed, walking to the store.
“I am in pain,” White said. “We all are in pain.”
Their heartbreak was felt by a crowd gathered at City Hall, pleading for the community to put the guns down.
“Not just white, not just Black, everybody,” said Zion Baptist Church Pastor Tremayne Johnson. “That we are all safe together, that we are using this time now to ring that message loud and clear.”
Organizers also pushed for more police reform.
“Accountability is at the root of this whole issue,” said Hampton NAACP President Gaylene Kanoyton.
Kanoyton said the guilty verdict for Derrick Chauvin, is a step in the right direction.
“Justice couldn’t bring George Floyd back, but the police officers were held accountable,” Kanoyton. “And so we have to put certain laws in place.”
Several legislators at the rally called for the Senate to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It would address several areas of police reform, including banning chokeholds and improving police training. It would also create national standards for policing in a bid to bolster accountability.
“There are things we can do, and votes make a difference,” said Congressman Bobby Scott.
The bill passed the House of Representatives last month and is now awaiting action in the Senate.
“I had the talk with my son,” said mom Ghana Smith. “I am always looking for legislation because I want that to end. I want parents to not have to keep talking to their children about what it means to be pulled over.”
All important issues, organizers hope the community keeps fighting for.
“The only way we can see something happen is showing up in places like this,” Pastor Johnson said.