Group works to keep kids safe as Columbus homicide numbers at record low

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus Police data shows the city’s homicide rate is the lowest it's been year-to-date in more than a decade.  

Police report 16 homicides in the city so far this year. The data shows this is the first time the city’s year-to-date homicide rate is below 20 since before 2013.  

Ralph Carter, the founder of the group We Are Linden, said he thinks what is helping slow the violence is collaboration with the community.

“Sixteen is still a really big number, you know, we always say, you know, again, one life loss is still one life too many, but you can see that the work is being done and just continue to apply that work,” Carter said. “From collaboration, the city is pouring into organizations such as us, We Are Linden, and others just continue to do the work.” 

Carter said there is still work to be done and data shows youth violence historically picks up in the summer, which is why We Are Linden is Project Safe Summer in partnership with North Columbus Preparatory Academy in Linden.  

Carter said North Columbus Preparatory Academy will act as a hub for activities in the summer to keep kids productive and out of trouble. 

“We have 18 classrooms here, so we're trying to fill them all up with young people and just organizations that's willing to come work with our youth,” Carter said. 

North Columbus Preparatory Academy Principal Ernest White said he wanted to get involved with the program to have a positive impact on the kids; he hopes to mentor as well. 

“Growth within our community, students, you know, having some positive things to do for the summer, work on reading, math, social, emotional learning and just to be around some people that's positive,” he said. “That can be mentorships, do some mentoring so that they can grow and help families as well.” 

White said this will also teach the kids accountability in the summer. So far, the students he has talked to about Project Safe Summer are excited.  

White used to work in criminal justice, and since switching to the education field, he said he has seen violence impact his students. 

“You see it and it's heartbreaking and even talking to those offenders, it's like, ‘What happened?’ And some of them say, ‘I had two great parents,’ and some said, ‘I didn't have that positive relationship with someone in the school, someone in the community,’” White said.  

Police data shows three out of the 16 homicide victims so far this year are juveniles.

“We have to continue to push the needle to hold everyone accountable because it takes a village to help raise these children and do what's right and show it on the right path,” Carter said.  

Carter said enrollment for Project Safe Summer is now open. To register, contact Carter through We Are Linden or contact North Columbus Preparatory Academy.