MIDFIELD, Ala. (WIAT) — Students at Rutledge Middle School put pen to paper today, taking a pledge against gun violence as part of the National Day of Concern.

The initiative encourages young people across the country to take a stand early against gun-related harm. For educators and advocates in Midfield, it’s about planting the seeds of awareness and accountability.

“Our students are aware of guns. They see it in our communities, sadly, every day,” said one faculty member. “So it’s important for them to see that gun violence needs to stay away.”

Jessica Barnes, a regional lead with Voices of Black Mothers United, said this effort hits home.

“I lost a son to gun violence,” Barnes shared. “We’re trying to educate young people and to encourage them not to use guns as a way to solve dispu

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