Indianapolis Youth, Mike Epps, Prosecutor Host Gun Violence Roundtable

Indianapolis native comedian Mike Epps and Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears hosted a youth-centered roundtable discussion on gun violence prevention, featuring high school students from local schools. The event, recorded as a podcast episode, aimed to amplify the voices of young people who are often excluded from conversations about violence prevention and public safety. One participant, James Curry, shared his personal experience of being accidentally shot, spending months in a coma and undergoing rehabilitation, yet now preparing to graduate. Epps emphasized the importance of community involvement, reflecting on his own experiences growing up in Indianapolis and his commitment to giving back. The collaboration between Epps and Mears seeks to foster dialogue that highlights the impact of gun violence on youth and to generate solutions that resonate with young people. This initiative is part of a broader effort to engage the community and empower youth to contribute to violence prevention strategies.