INDIANAPOLIS — With a surge in violence, including the deadliest shooting in a decade in Indianapolis, a group of residents is speaking up and voicing their concerns about violence in the city.
WRTV talked with 3 teenagers who are speaking up, sharing their stories, their challenges, and their triumphs in hopes of getting the attention of those looking to curb crime in the city.
Teenagers are raising their voices about the issues that concern them in the city. They hope raising their voices will bring change. For these three, gun violence isn’t just something they’ve heard about or watched on television.
15-year-old Cam Nellum, 15, said he used to be afraid of dying at a young age.
“My brother he was only 17 when he got killed,” Nellum said.
“I have a gunshot wound in my right leg I walk different every day now. I think differently now,” Austin Juarez said.
Juarez, 17, was shot last summer. He had to learn how to walk again.
“A lot of kids have trauma and there’s a lot of guns on the streets that should not be out there,” Juarez said.
These teenagers are using their voices in the upcoming Tru Dialogue part 5. This year’s forum will be done virtually.
“I feel like voices aren’t always heard,” Dallas Morris said.
The forum will give them a chance to tell community leaders their concerns and share their journey.
"Before this, I was catching case after case. Ended up in VOICES multiple times,” Juarez said.
The forum is also a chance to share how they’ve turned things around.
“Recently I gave my life to Christ and I love helping people,” Nellum said.
There are two hundred spaces for people to sign up to attend the virtual forum. The event is set for Saturday afternoon.
