COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children is trying to spread awareness about their "Operation Under Triple Digits" initiative. The goal is to have less than 100 homicides in the city of Columbus in 2024.
The group spent Sunday afternoon lining the streets of Livingston and Barnett avenues with signs about the operation.
“We are going to all sides of town with our feet to the pavement to make sure everyone understands Operation Under Triple Digits,” said Shawna Brady of Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children.
Brady helped organize the event. She lost her son, Treyvon to gun violence in April 2021. Brady said her life hasn’t been the same, and she wants to make sure other families don’t go through what she went through.
“Just try to get the kids to understand the true meaning of gun violence,” she said.
Brady is relieved to see that the homicide numbers are relatively low so far this year. As of April 22, there have been 22 homicides. But, Brady knows more work needs to be done.
“That’s still way too many. 1 is too many,” she said.
For Tania Hudson, "Operation Triple Digits" is also personal. She lost her son to gun violence in 2009.
“Every life matters. To their family, to us, to our community. If we could lower [homicide numbers], slow it down for a better future for the next generation,” she said.
Hudson wants to help teach kids at a young age to deal with their anger differently. She believes the answer to stopping violence Is through education.
“They don’t know how to stop if we just keep saying it. You have to teach our people how to self-regulate, de-escalate and interact with peers,” she said.
Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children said they will continue being active in the community, even when they reach their goal.
“The movement of making it better and trying to keep our loved ones under triple digits. It’s very important we all stand together, we are better together,” said Hudson.