In the wake of dozens youth gun violence incidents and deaths, Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo is convening a daylong summit, “Goals Not Guns,” on Thursday, Apr. 7, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at Miami Dade College’s (MDC) historic Tower Theater, 1508 SW Eighth St.
The event is in partnership with MDC’s nationally renowned School of Justice, and with key stakeholders from the community, academia, clergy, social service agencies and the federal, state and local government. The objective is to develop comprehensive policy priorities to mitigate this deadly epidemic in our community.
A former police officer, certified public accountant, father and elected official, Commissioner Carollo will lead the discussion and help advance the resulting agenda.
“I am going into this endeavor much like our business community and government work with the Greater Miami Chamber on the Goals Conference each year. However, this has become an even greater priority,” Carollo said. “And this is not a onetime deal. It is my hope that we reconvene a year later to measure our progress.”
The day’s program will be released in the coming weeks and will aim toward dealing with the issue from all sides, including community policing, economic development, access to education, wraparound services, and much more.
“The media has focused on this issue in some specific neighborhoods, but the reality is that youth gun violence has occurred and has been escalating throughout our community, including Little Havana. As parents, this is not a trend we want for our children,” Carollo added.
