Event Overview: Violence Prevention Pre-Symposium

On April 16, 2026, the Violence Prevention Collaborative of Metro Atlanta—a powerhouse partnership between 100 Black Men of Atlanta, The Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine, and The King Center—host an invite-only roundtable discussion to address the escalating crisis of gun violence and its impact on community well-being.

A Multi-Disciplinary Call to Action

The gathering w together a diverse coalition of elected officials, law enforcement, public health experts, and civil rights organizations. The primary goal is to move beyond discussion and toward the creation of concrete action plans that address the social determinants of health and the root causes of violent deaths.

Key Discussions and Findings

The agenda focuses on a "data-to-action" pipeline, utilizing advanced tools like the Health Equity Tracker to analyze intersectional outcomes, including youth-involved deaths and homicides affecting Black men.

• The Story Behind the Numbers: Rana Bayakly, MPH (Georgia Dept. of Public Health), w current trends in lethal violence, focusing on conflict and mental health narratives within ARC counties.

• Veteran Suicide in Georgia: Dr. Brian A. Moore w critical research regarding mental and physical health solutions for Georgia’s veteran population.

• Evidence-Based Interventions: Dr. Alex Crosby w sessions on behavioral changes related to firearms and the importance of regional collaboration.

• The Power of Nonviolence: Ciera Bobo, a certified Nonviolence365® trainer from The King Center, provide practical insights into conflict reconciliation and youth empowerment.

Collaborative Strategies

The pre-symposium serves as a strategic planning session for a larger community event scheduled for later this year. Participants explore innovative strategies including:

• Increasing mental health awareness and suicide prevention resources.

• Addressing social determinants such as housing, transportation, and food insecurity in the context of community safety.

• Utilizing media and awareness campaigns—similar to those used for tobacco cessation—to shift behaviors surrounding gun violence.

Leadership Perspectives

"Advancing health equity means addressing the conditions that impact community safety and well-being... we are proud to create solutions that support healthier, safer communities."

— Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD, Morehouse School of Medicine

"Violence is not only a public safety issue. It is also a moral issue, a public health issue, and a human dignity issue."

— Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center

This initiative reinforces the Collaborative’s ongoing commitment to applying nonviolence principles and data-driven strategies to ensure a safer, more equitable Metro Atlanta.