From the Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — This weekend around eight victims of violence affected the Birmingham area. Woodlawn junior and football captain, William Edwards, was shot to death in his North East Lake home on September 1 and then seven teens were injured the following evening at WorkPlay – all related to gun violence. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin responded to the act of violence in our city.
“The death of William Edwards in North East Lake and the seven young people injured by violence at WorkPlay are a devastating blow to our community,” said Woodfin. “Our law enforcement officers have been dedicated in their response, but as a city we must realize that this goes deeper than arrests.”
Woodlawn junior William Edwards, 16, was shot to death in his home Saturday morning, September 1.
Related story: Police investigate murder of Birmingham teen
Woodfin says the city “must wrap [their] arms around our children.”
“We must double down on conflict resolution efforts for our youth,” he said. “If they won’t come to us, we must go to them. Relationships matter. We must all take responsibility for being the source of wisdom, guidance, restraint and compassion that our children need. Accountability is what will heal our city.”
“Lives were changed this past weekend, and those lives are too valuable – too precious – to be labeled as statistics.”
“No longer can we grieve and then go about our days – not when the lives of our neighbors have been changed forever. Know that your mayor and law enforcement are working fervently for a safer Birmingham, but we cannot do it alone. I ask that you – parents, family members, mentors, community leaders and friends – connect with the young people in your lives.”