MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Just say no to guns. That's what Memphis Mayor A C Wharton is telling young people across Memphis.
Wharton kicked off his 'Summer Challenge to End Youth Gun Violence' challenge at Bert Ferguson Community Center in Cordova. Wharton told the room full of young faces to "be cool, be safe, and be a leader."
Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong says in 2011 there were over 500 incidents where kids committed a violent act. Wharton said that's why it's important to act early when preaching to kids the importance of staying away from guns.
"What we're doing is trying to change the conversation." Wharton said. "If we instill in these children at an early age that every time something is disagreeable you don't turn into a fight and you certainly don't progress to picking up a gun"
