Spartanburg Community 'Standing as One' Rally Against Youth Violence - August 7, 2025

On August 7, 2025, community leaders, law enforcement, and residents gathered at a city-sponsored event to address a recent surge in gun violence affecting youth in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The meeting featured emotional remarks from the mayor, educators, a student, clergy, and law enforcement officials, all calling for unity, action, and a comprehensive community response to protect children and restore safety.

Remarks from Community Leaders

• Mayor Jerome Rice Jr. opened the meeting, stating, "Your life matter, your future matter," and emphasized that everyone has a role to play—parents, teachers, pastors, law enforcement, and neighbors. He urged the community to stand together and move forward beyond the event.
• Principal Tammy Jordan (Mary H. Wright Elementary) expressed condolences and spoke as a lifelong community member. She noted that students as young as four are learning to navigate fear and called for collective action to protect children.
• Robert Reader (Forest Park Neighborhood Association) spoke on behalf of all neighborhoods. He highlighted that young people are worried about being recruited and urged the creation of community center programs, transparent collaboration between police and community, and establishment of a board to develop solutions.
• Avery Jefferson (Spartanburg High School student) delivered a powerful speech, openly sharing his fear about speaking. He described the normalization of violence and desensitization among youth, challenging adults to "feel differently" and engage with young people authentically rather than labeling them.
• Kim Brown (Parks and Recreation Special Events Director) reported that the city's summer program served about 150 youth. He stressed the importance of including youth in decision-making, citing the principle: "anything that is done for youth without them is done to them." He committed to adapting programming and urged coordination among all youth-serving organizations.
• Reverend Dr. M. Keith McDaniel (Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church) noted that the day was the third anniversary of his own son's murder. He denounced the killings of seven-month-old Zamir Smith, Rahim Kelly, and others, calling for a state of emergency on gun violence. He urged churches to move beyond pulpits, young people to choose life, and the community to speak out: "if you know something, say something."
• Sheriff Jeff Stevens (Spartanburg County) described the violence as deliberate acts often connected to retaliation and a culture glorifying retaliation. He urged parents to talk to their children and announced an anonymous tip submission system on the sheriff's website and Facebook page. He committed to fair but firm law enforcement.
• Deputy Chief Jennifer Kendall (Spartanburg Police Department) expressed grief and gratitude for the turnout. She emphasized that public safety is a collective responsibility and that silence enables violence. She implored citizens to share information and cooperate with law enforcement.
• Bishop Charles J.J. Jackson III closed the meeting with a prayer, asking for strength, unity, and a collaborative spirit to overcome violence, racism, and hatred.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or policy decisions were made; the meeting was a rally and call to action.
• Law enforcement activated anonymous reporting channels: the Sheriff's Office website (spartanburgcountysheriff.org) and Facebook page for tips.
• Multiple speakers, including Robert Reader and Kim Brown, requested the formation of a standing committee or board of community leaders, ministers, and youth to sustain efforts and develop solutions.
• The community was urged to not let this gathering be a one-time event but to continue engagement and collaboration.
• Mayor Rice stated that no questions would be taken from the podium but that speakers behind him would be available to the media.