WXXI News
Rochester students are expressing their concerns about gun violence through the written word. Activist Lentory Johnson has launched the third annual anti-gun violence essay contest through her nonprofit, Generational Engagement Matters. The contest invites students living in Rochester to write about the trauma they’ve experienced as a result of local gun violence. The subject hits close to home for Johnson; her son Johnny was killed in the drive-by shooting outside the Boys and Girls Club in 2015. He was 22 years old.
This hour, we talk with Lentory Johnson, her GEM colleagues, and a local student about anti-gun violence efforts and how to support victims and families in Rochester. Our guests:
- Lentory Johnson, founder of Generational Engagement Matters (GEM), and mother of Johnny Johnson
- Ralph Carter, director of IT services for Generational Engagement Matters (GEM)
- Avalon Fox, sixth grader, and 2022 GEM essay contest winner
