DeKalb County officials have unveiled a 12-week school programme aimed at preventing youth violence, with sixth- to 12th-grade pupils in areas of higher crime set to take part.
The Education to Empowerment initiative was announced on Wednesday, 23 September, by county chief executive Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, following the fatal shooting of two boys and a separate threat at Martin Luther King Jr High School.
Officials said the scheme had been in development for about a year and was not brought forward in response to Sunday’s shooting. It will focus on helping young people develop skills intended to reduce conflict and discourage violence.
DeKalb County has previously said it was investing $250,000 in school-based prevention work covering conflict resolution, civic responsibility and de-escalation.
“Laws are essential in accountability matters, but laws alone cannot address the conditions that we see in our communities, particularly associated with violence,” Ms Cochran-Johnson said.
The announcement came days after 11-year-old Jamarion Rolle and 12-year-old Jakhi Clark were killed in a shooting on North Hairston Road. Two women were also injured.
Police have charged 18-year-old Julian Ellis with two counts of felony murder and six counts of aggravated assault. His first court appearance was scheduled for Thursday afternoon, while the investigation remains ongoing.
The initiative also follows a lockdown at Martin Luther King Jr High School after a threat was reported on Monday.
