"Mama's Against Violence" holds youth and community conference

Mama’s Against Violence has one mission: to raise awareness against violence in their community and today, they came together to educate the area’s youth at their annual Biennial Youth & Community Conference.

From grieving mothers, to young children. All ages come together every year to make a difference.

"My son Nathan Hall was murdered through gun violence, and Bobbie introduced herself to me and I thought it was good to join the organization,” said Charla Opfer, a MAV member.

Mama’s Against Violence’s main mission today was to not only educate the youth, but to help mothers and all individuals who have lost loved ones to homicide.

“I’ve been here maybe the past two or three conferences and it seems to get better and better each year and I’ve always had fun, good experience,” said fourteen-year old Jaccar Watkins.

Attendees spend the day in breakout sessions, focusing on topics including self-esteem, conflict, relationships and educating children about consequences.

Mama’s Against Violence’s President Bobbie Wood wants everyone who attended today to take action on what they’ve learned.

“Hopefully today, the main thing that I want to happen is that each and every one of us that attended today will leave here not the way they came but with some form of action,” said Bobbie Wood.

 In addition to holding the conference every year, Mama’s Against Violence also holds community walks, social events, grief support groups and brings awareness to churches and schools throughout the community.