DETROIT – More than 200 young people gathered near Skinner Park and Denby High School in Detroit, demonstrating their community’s resilience just days after a drive-by shooting claimed the lives of two victims.
The event, organized by Sound Body, Sound Mind Foundation on Tuesday (July 2), brought together neighborhood youth for athletic activities and community engagement, refusing to let violence define their community.
“We don’t want that one incident to define us,” said Curtis Blackwell, founder of Sound Body, Sound Mind Foundation. “We want this to be a testament that there’s still a lot of vibrancy in this neighborhood and that this community is a safe place.”
The foundation, established by Blackwell in 2004, focuses on youth development through sports and mentorship.
“Sports allow us to have the influence that parents sometimes don’t have,” Blackwell said. “Sports keep the kids off the streets.”
Christopher Harris, 13, was among the participants at Tuesday’s event.
“It’s very sad seeing people in our community, young kids in our community, lose their lives,” Harris said. “He brought us out here to be an example to people.”
While the youth participated in athletic drills, the Community Violence Intervention Program conducted outreach in surrounding neighborhoods.
Detroit police and fire officials also attended the event, emphasizing the importance of positive community engagement.
Blackwell, who grew up in the neighborhood, questioned whether providing alternative outlets could prevent future violence.
The foundation’s approach combines physical activity with character development, as participants noted that “they teach you how to build your character.”
Detroit Police Department officials confirmed that two suspects believed to be responsible for Friday’s shooting are in custody.
The department has not released additional details about the investigation.