NFL’s Brian Robinson Jr. Teams Up to Tackle Gun Violence in Tuscaloosa

Gun violence is a concern for many in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas. That’s why 14 area churches have joined forces to host an event to address what families, churches, and communities can do to tackle this major problem.

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The “Preventing Gun Violence” program is part of “When Life Happens” and the series “Where is God When Life Happens.” It will take place on Wednesday, May 10 at First African Baptist Church located at 2621 Stillman Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and music at 4:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Click here for more information and to register.

According to the press release, “NFL running back Brian Robinson Jr. will be the featured speaker at a program aimed at dealing with gun violence. Robinson, a prep standout at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa and The University of Alabama running back, joined the Washington Commanders in 2022.”

Robinson, a Tuscaloosa native has experienced a real-life personal encounter with gun violence. “Last August, prior to the start of his rookie season, Robinson was shot twice during an armed robbery after leaving a restaurant in D.C.,” said the press release.

As reported by Tide 100.9, “The former Hillcrest Patriot was shot twice in the knee during an attempted carjacking in northeast DC on August 28th. The bullets missed all major components of the joint and he was back to doing agility drills just 18 days after surgery. 46 days later, he made his first start and scored his first NFL touchdown.”

According to Every Stat, “Every year, an average of 503 people in Alabama die by gun homicides and 1,325 are wounded by gun assaults—a rate of 10.9 homicides and 27.2 assaults per 100,000 people. Alabama has the 3rdhighest rate of gun homicides and gun assaults in the US. In Alabama, 84% of all homicides involve a gun, compared to 76% nationwide.”

Also, at the “Preventing Gun Violence” event, the “Positive Ticketing” program will be discussed which was developed by Donnie Lee Jr of The Ivy Foundation. “Under this program, resource officers in Tuscaloosa city and county schools give a “Positive Ticket” to students they observe doing positive acts such as kids they see deflecting a situation or helping someone,” said the press release.

“These tickets earn students gift cards to local businesses. Monthly and annually students will be recognized with a Positive Character award.”

(Source) A press release was sent to Townsquare Media. Click here for more information from the “Preventing Gun Violence” Facebook Event Page. Click here for more information from When Life Happens Tuscaloosa. Click here for more details from Every Stat.