News Summary
Sylvia Stitt Smith, a mother in Charlotte, is advocating for action against rising juvenile crime and gun violence as she honors her son, Samuel Stitt, who was killed in 2019. Stitt is requesting the city skyline to be illuminated in orange on National Gun Violence Awareness Day to remember victims and promote community solidarity. Despite a setback from the lighting program, she remains hopeful and has organized an event called ‘Raise Your Voice, Not Your Guns’ to further raise awareness about gun violence and its impact on families.
Charlotte – A local mother, Sylvia Stitt Smith, is urging city officials to take urgent action against rising juvenile crime and gun violence as she commemorates the loss of her son. Samuel Stitt was killed in August 2019 at the age of 23, and it has been over six years since that tragic event. In a bid to raise awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence, Stitt is advocating for the city’s skyline to be illuminated in orange on June 6, recognized nationwide as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Samuel’s son, Noah, who was just a child at the time of his father’s shooting, witnessed the event, further emphasizing the family trauma that gun violence inflicts on loved ones. Following the shooting, a two-year investigation led to the dropping of charges against the 14-year-old suspect, attributed to insufficient evidence. This has left families like Stitt’s grappling with unanswered questions and unresolved grief.
Stitt took her advocacy to the Charlotte City Council, aiming to ensure recognition for those affected by gun violence, and presented a heartfelt plea for community support. Despite the efforts to gain attention for this critical issue, a request from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s homicide victims’ advocate to the Wells Fargo Lighting Program to change the skyline’s lighting was rejected without any explanation.
Stitt remains hopeful that the skyline will still be illuminated in orange as a gesture of community solidarity and recognition for victims of gun violence. Plans are in place for an event titled “Raise Your Voice, Not Your Guns” on June 7 in Charlotte, intended to further promote awareness and encourage discussions surrounding gun violence in the community.
This initiative emerges amid a concerning surge in violent crime in Charlotte. Recent city data indicates a rise in homicides and violent incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year. Additionally, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has reported a significant increase in juvenile crime, marking the highest rates seen in five years, as outlined in their mid-year report.
Community advocates, especially those who have lost children to gun violence, are intensifying calls for heightened awareness and proactive measures to address these crises. The tragic experiences of families impacted by gun violence underscore the urgent necessity for local leaders to confront escalating crime rates and prioritize community safety.
Efforts by Stitt and other advocates highlight the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition in the wake of personal tragedies caused by gun violence. As efforts unfold, the need for collaboration among city leaders, law enforcement, and the community becomes increasingly crucial to forging a path toward healing and protection for families in Charlotte.
As of now, attempts to reach Wells Fargo’s Lighting Program for a comment on the status of the skyline lighting request have not garnered a response. The community watches closely, hopeful for a united front against gun violence and a reaffirmation of their commitment to preserving the safety and integrity of their neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Charlotte NC Mom Advocates for Gun Violence Awareness
- Charlotte Observer: Local Crime News
- WSOC TV: Grandmother Urges End to Gun Violence
- WBTV: Charlotte Crime Stats
- The Charlotte Post: Youth Summit on Gun Violence
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
