Inkster, Mich. – Some Inkster community members say they’re fed up and ready for change.
Concern over what residents describe as rising teen violence has prompted a group of neighbors to unite in prayer and planning, nearly a week after two teenagers were killed in a double shooting.
On Sunday (April 20) afternoon, residents gathered in a prayer circle organized by Inkster resident Sparkle Henry, who said her “heart was heavy” after the recent violence.
“After those two teens, what happened like a week ago, that just did something to me,” Henry said. “I really haven’t been sleeping.”
Earlier this month, a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old were killed in a double shooting in Inkster.
Then, on Friday, a 19-year-old was shot by Michigan State Police after a chase that ended in a crash, killing another driver.
“We’re in a bad situation,” Henry said.
As a call to action, Henry organized the community prayer circle, hoping it would be a first step toward healing and problem-solving, and a way to keep more teens from ending up dead or in jail.
Participants didn’t just pray; they also brainstormed ways to keep teens occupied and safe this summer. Ideas included continuing the prayer circles, building stronger relationships with teens, and encouraging greater parental involvement.
Henry and fellow community member Milton Hunter said a lack of youth activities and safe gathering spaces in Inkster leaves many teens with nowhere productive to go.
“I’m working on a school,” Hunter said. “It’s basically a learning center so they can develop life skills.”
Hunter has also launched community cleanup events and hopes to tap local teens to join in. He said he wants to keep young people busy while helping them build pride in their city.
Both Henry and Hunter said they want city officials to take a more active role in addressing teen violence.
Local 4 brought their concerns to the Inkster Police Department. In a statement, the police chief said :
“This year, we will be hosting our 3rd Annual Summer Camp for youth ages 6–15. The program will run from July 6, 2026, through Aug. 14, 2026, and is designed to provide positive engagement, mentorship, trauma-informed support, and structured activities for our young people.
In addition, we are actively exploring a partnership with Ceasefire to assist with conflict mediation among youth groups within the city.
We are also planning a Peace Walk in June to bring the community together and promote unity and violence prevention.
Following the walk, we intend to provide a platform for victims of gun violence to share their experiences, as well as distribute gun locks and other valuable community resources.
We are also working to reestablish and strengthen our neighborhood watch groups, as we firmly believe that ensuring public safety requires a collective community effort.
To support these initiatives and expand our programming, we continue to pursue state and federal funding opportunities.
Additionally, we are partnering with Growth Works to engage with youth who have encountered challenges, ensuring they receive the guidance and support needed to successfully complete their programs and thrive beyond them.
Furthermore, we are looking to connect parents with resources and support systems to better equip them in addressing challenges their youth may face."
Tamika Jenkins, Police Chief, Inkster Police Department
Henry said she plans to reach out to area churches to expand the prayer circles, bring in more community members, and create additional spaces for healing.
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