The Columbia Community Non-Violence Initiative is aiming to help prevent violent acts like the shots fired at Albert-Oakland Pool last night.
Members of the Columbia group will meet tonight to discuss ways they can continue to raise awareness and promote nonviolence in the community.
Spokesperson Jonathan Lowe said many group members were at the pool when the shots were fired but have not yet discussed the incident. He says the group aims to present alternative opportunities for those who might have violent thoughts or think of taking violent measures.
“We just want to make sure the community knows, ‘listen, we don’t have to do the things that we’re doing. Here are some alternatives: here is an employment opportunity, here is an education opportunity,’" Lowe said. "We’re not providing that, we just want to communicate that to the Columbia public.”
Lowe says the group has received a large amount of support from community members, churches and city officials. The group will meet Tuesday evening at 7:30 in the Armory Sports and Recreation Center in Columbia. The meeting is open to the public, although media is not allowed to attend.