MPR News with Angela Davis

Community healing after gun violence

St. Paul has seen a surge in gun violence in recent weeks. According to police, more than 100 people have been hurt or killed by gunfire in the city this year, including three homicides in just nine hours earlier this month.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Police Chief Todd Axtell
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter (left) and Police Chief Todd Axtell hold a press conference on Sept. 10, 2019, in response to the recent gun violence in the city.
Evan Frost | MPR News file

Across the river, Minneapolis has seen its own share of gun violence. Community members gathered in a Minneapolis park over the weekend for an event focused on healing.

“Guns Down, Love Up” organizers offered free help for people who need it, and pastors were on hand to offer spiritual counseling.

In the wake of these incidents, Angela Davis talks with three St. Paul pastors about grief and healing.

Guests:

The Rev. Richard Pittman, pastor of House of Praise, first vice president and chair of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee at the St. Paul NAACP

The Rev. Runney Patterson, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, first vice president of the Minnesota State Baptist Convention

Pastor Marea Perry, co-pastor of Above Every Name Ministries

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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