Durham enters 'Phase Two' of Violence Reduction Plan

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- David Johnson said he was "devastated" when a Durham violence prevention program shut down in 2024.

Bull City United worked to mediate conflicts in areas with high rates of gun violence, but it was discontinued amid concerns about its effectiveness and management.

"I put eight years of my life into Bull City United," Johnson said. "Bull City United was the reason why I changed my life. So just keeping that energy going was my main purpose of starting my nonprofit."

Johnson is continuing his work to prevent gun violence through his nonprofit, Changing Faces 2 Change Lives, and joining community conversations as city leaders look for solutions through a three-phase plan, called the Violence Reduction Plan.

The first phase began in December, when the community heard how other states are tackling crime. The second phase is a series of community sessions, and the third phase is an anti-violence summit this summer, where the Durham mayor hopes to produce concrete steps to reduce violence.

"It affects everyone," Johnson said. "It's a big public health problem that we need to recognize as a public health problem and put our resources towards that."

Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App

Data shows overall, crime is down in Durham, but gun violence involving young people is rising this year.

"It's very concerning," Sidney Brodie said.

ALSO SEE | Durham's Office of Survivor Care makes a difference with gun violence

Brodie is the founder of the Durham Homicide Memorial, a quilt created in 1994 to honor victims of gun violence.

Each square represents a life lost, and through the years, it's continued to grow.

"It has grown tremendously over the years, and we just want to find some solutions where we can actually stop adding to this," Brodie said. "I think we should give everyone, everyone the respect for who they are ... and just become the village that, that reaches out and tries to help the children."

ABC11 is tracking crime and safety across Durham and in your neighborhood