At Friday’s press conference: Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington (at podium) with (from left) Commission President Jimmie Stephens; Commissioner Joe Knight; State Sen. Rodger Smitherman; St. Rep. Merika Coleman; State Rep. Allen Farley; State Rep. Jack Williams and State Rep. David Faulkner. (Barnett Wright, The Birmingham Times)
Carolyn Johnson holds a picture of her son Rodreckus Johnson who was killed as he pulled up to a birthday party. He was shot as he parked and was hit by a bullet fired by two people arguing, his killer has never been arrested. (Frank Couch / The Birmingham Times)
Kim Washington holds a picture of her son Quenton that she often carries with her when she shares her story of losing Quenton to violence. (Frank Couch / The Birmingham Times)
Ms. Ernestine Poole, funeral director at Poole's Funeral Chapel stands in the chapel of her Birmingham, Alabama funeral home. Birmingham area funeral home directors reflect on the violence plaguing the area. (Frank Couch / The Birmingham Times )
Ms. Ernestine Poole, funeral director at Poole’s Funeral Chapel stands in the chapel of her Birmingham, Alabama funeral home. Birmingham area funeral home directors reflect on the violence plaguing the area. (Frank Couch / The Birmingham Times )
Gerrel Jones is support and outreach coordinator with SAFE Birmingham, part of the Birmingham Violence Reduction Initiative (BVRI). (Ariel Worthy, The Birmingham Times).
Gerrel Jones is support and outreach coordinator with SAFE Birmingham, part of the Birmingham Violence Reduction Initiative (BVRI). (Ariel Worthy, The Birmingham Times).