How a Durham nonprofit is fighting gun violence one pair of shoes at a time

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham leaders are in the midst of a 60-day process to develop the city's violence reduction plan, but one local nonprofit believes prevention can start with something as simple as a new pair of shoes.

For Sherard Johnson, gun violence is personal.

The founder of RNS Sports carries a tattoo honoring Jeremiah "Scrap" Williams, a former mentee who participated in the organization's mentorship program before he was killed by gun violence in 2023 at age 19.

"He is one of the reasons I keep going to this very day," Johnson said.

Seven years ago, the former middle-school teacher launched Project 300, an initiative that provides 300 pairs of new shoes to underserved Durham children before the start of the school year.

Johnson said the effort is about more than footwear.

"A nice pair of shoes can help a child walk into school with confidence," he said.

Sixteen-year-old DJ Holloway, who grew up in McDougald Terrace, received a pair of shoes through the program. He said the donation eases some of the financial burden on his family during the back-to-school season.

"It feels good. It feels fresh," Holloway said.

Johnson said he believes the program addresses one of the root causes often linked to violence: poverty.

"Instead of a kid worrying about how they're going to get those shoes, we're going to give them to you," he said.

The annual initiative comes as Durham officials work to develop a citywide strategy to reduce gun violence. During the city's Violence Reduction Summit, data showed that most gun violence victims and suspects in Durham are Black men between the ages of 18 and 34.

For Holloway, the issue hits close to home. His older brother was 20 years old when he was killed last year.

Through Johnson's mentorship program, Holloway said he is focused on choosing a different path.

Johnson said reducing gun violence will require long-term investment in underserved communities, including access to jobs, education and resources.

"These families need people who care and people who are going to spend actual time," Johnson said. "Young people need places where they can feel loved, feel comforted and have a safe haven."

Durham Mayor Leo Williams is scheduled to hold a follow-up meeting with the city's Violence Reduction Working Group on Friday. City leaders have said they plan to complete the violence reduction strategy within 60 days.

Meanwhile, donations for Project 300 are being accepted through Aug. 15. More information is available at www.rnssportsnc.com or by emailing rnssportsnc@gmail.com.