SUFFOLK, Va. — Suffolk Public Schools is looking to address gun violence in local communities. On Thursday, the school division hosted a panel discussion, as part of a new initiative to help families stay safe and aware.
The impact of gun violence goes beyond its victims. The trauma has affected families across Hampton Roads and is often felt in local classrooms.
"We've had students, of course, lose family members to gun violence. We've had staff members lose family members to gun violence," said Anthonette Dickens, officer of communications and community engagement for Suffolk Public Schools.
Dickens said the school division wants to take a proactive approach to support students and families.
Two panelists told personal stories about how gun violence has affected them.
Britta Brown Whitehead told the crowd how losing her son to gun violence in 2019 affected her. She said nights like this are important to furthering the conversation.
“We have to get back to having this community-based involvement, community-based conversations, working together as a community. It’s the number one thing we have to do,” Whitehead said.
The program is a partnership with the Suffolk Police Department, Suffolk Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, and the Norfolk FBI field office. This is the second of a new, three-part series promoting safer schools and communities.
Deputies with the sheriff's office also handed out gun locks to families at the event. After the panel, families shared ideas of their own.
School division leaders plan to use the feedback to provide better support. This is a first-of-its-kind series for the school division.
The next forum will take place in April with a focus on gang violence.