Columbia Braces for Rain and Gun Violence Forum Amid Stormy Weather

Columbia Prepares for a Stormy Evening

Hey there, Columbia! If you haven’t already noticed, it’s shaping up to be a rather wet and breezy day in our lovely city. The forecast is predicting a high of 77°F with a solid chance of rain throughout the day. Yes, you heard that right—there’s a 100% chance of rain and we can expect between 1 to 2 inches of the wet stuff. So, grab your umbrellas and raincoats, folks, because you’re going to need them!

Weather Alert: Hold On to Your Hats!

As we journey into the evening, expect the rain to come down even harder. Things will start to get a bit gusty too, with winds picking up from the east-southeast at around 25 to 35 mph. And if that isn’t enough to make you feel like you’re in the midst of a tropical storm, there’s a good chance we could be waking up to some thunderstorms by tomorrow morning. Temperatures will drop down to 73°F overnight, so be sure to stay cozy!

Community Forum on Gun Violence

7:30 p.m., the Building Better Communities (BBC) organization will be hosting an “End Gun Violence” forum at the Lenoir Rhyne University Stavros Auditorium, located at 4201 N. Main St.. The atmosphere will be friendly and open as folks gather together to discuss an issue that weighs heavily on many minds—gun violence in our communities.

Moderating the forum is the ever-engaging media personality Cynthia Hardy, who will lead a panel discussion featuring notable speakers including Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and representatives from the Columbia Police Department. Additionally, community activists like Wyteria Andrews and Dr. Ivory Thigpen will share their insights, aiming to combat the rising concerns of gun-related incidents gripping cities across the country.

Addressing the Heartbreak

In light of recent statistics revealing that gun-related deaths are the leading cause of fatalities among children and teenagers nationwide—particularly affecting Black youth—this forum comes at a critical time. Sheriff Lott poignantly reminded us, “Gun violence is not just a statistic; it’s a heartbreaking reality that affects real lives, especially our youth and communities of color.” The discussion will not only touch upon the underlying causes and consequences of gun violence but also serve to explore viable solutions for our community.

We understand that these conversations can be tough, but it’s vital that our voices are heard. Attendees will even have the chance to engage directly with the panel and ask questions. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved!

Join the Discussion!

So, if you’re looking for something meaningful to do tonight, put on your rain gear, and head over to the forum. It’s a chance for you to learn, share, and contribute to a very important conversation about the safety of our beloved Columbia. If you need any further information, feel free to reach out to BBC’s CEO, Perry Bradley Jr., at 803-977-8088.

Remember, we’re all in this together, and your participation matters! With dark clouds looming above us both literally and metaphorically, let’s come together as a community to shine light on these pressing issues. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s hope for some calmer weather soon!