Moultrie woman organizes upcoming gun violence awareness event

MOULTRIE, Ga. – A Moultrie woman is organizing a first-of-its-kind event here Colquitt county.

It’s called ‘Put Down the Guns’ and it’s geared towards educating local children about gun violence in the county over the last decade.

This is Carol Simpson, she’s the founder of a group called Eyvone’s Porch In-Centive, or E.P.I.C.

And, she says she has seen gun violence become common among younger kids.

“There is and has been a lot of gun violence in Moultrie-Colquitt county in the last few years. It’s been running rampant. Youngsters as young as twelve years old are carrying guns,” said Carol Simpson, founder, E.P.I.C.

Carol herself has seen the effects of gun violence take the life of a family member more than a decade ago…

And, with her organization now having some traction after being founded in 2020, she wants to try and educate those in Colquitt county, as her mother, Eyvone did before her.

“…She used to talk to kids about doing right. Talk to them about morals and values, talking about the Bible, talking about God with them. And, she changed a lot of lives. And, I just wanted to keep the tradition she had…” said Simpson.

Simpson won’t be alone in her efforts to try and reach many of Colquitt county’s young minds, as she’s partnering with several law enforcement officials and local leaders to get the message across.

“We’ll have the clergymen here. We’ll have several police chiefs here. We’ll have youth advocacies and school system employees that work with the youth…” said Simpson.

Carol says that while there is work that’s going to need to be done following the rally on Saturday, she believes it will help get the ball rolling.

“…We have to start somewhere. And, I think it’s the start and hopefully the beginning to end gun violence and put the guns down. And, get another alternative of getting solutions other than carrying a gun and using them,” said Simpson.

Simpson is hoping for a huge turnout Saturday, in the hopes that this will be that spurring moment that brings about change and helps cut down on the gun violence.

The ‘Put Down the Guns’ rally will take place in the parking lot of 50 Yard Line Bar & Grill at 203 West Central Avenue, Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Brian Roche reporting.

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