26 Aug Media Advisory: Tragic Loss of 18-Year-Old on His Birthday Emphasizes Urgent Need for Investment in Our Communities
RIBBA Takes Action to Address the Root Causes of Violence in Our Community
Providence, RI – On what should have been a day of celebration, an 18-year-old young man was tragically shot and killed in broad daylight in his driveway, moments after sharing a loving goodbye with his mother. He had just gotten dressed, eager to celebrate his milestone birthday, when his life was senselessly cut short. His mother, who heard the gunshots from inside their home, ran outside only to find her baby boy lying lifeless on the pavement.
This heartbreaking loss is a stark reminder that our communities continue to be plagued by violence, and we cannot afford to ignore the root causes any longer. Every loss of life impacts each one of us, but when it’s a young person, just stepping into adulthood, the impact is profoundly devastating. While the initial shock leaves us saddened and outraged, far too often, the outrage fades, and life returns to “normal” until the next tragedy strikes.
What Are We Going to Do?
This tragedy compels us to ask ourselves a critical question: What are we going to do? No finger-pointing, no assigning blame. This is on all of us—our entire community, our elected officials, our law enforcement, and our civic leaders. We are all responsible for the well-being of our youth, and we must come together to find solutions that will prevent these senseless acts of violence.
Investment in Our Youth: A Call to Action
This isn’t just about one life lost; it’s about the countless others at risk because of the systemic neglect and lack of opportunities in our underserved communities. When we fail to invest in our youth, we are essentially turning our backs on their futures. The absence of economic opportunities, combined with inadequate access to mental health resources, creates a breeding ground for violence.
This tragedy mirrors another recent incident on Harvard Avenue, where a 34-year-old man lost his life in a double shooting. These incidents are not isolated—they are symptoms of a larger, systemic issue. Economic disparities, chronic poverty, and the lack of meaningful opportunities have left many of our young people with few options.
RIBBA has been at the forefront of advocating for substantial state investment in programs that offer real solutions—programs that provide sustainable business development, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to capital. The evidence is clear: when we invest in our communities, we not only create economic growth, but we also reduce crime and violence.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Violence
We cannot continue to bury our young people because of systemic neglect. Our community deserves more than buzzwords and empty promises; it deserves concrete, actionable support. RIBBA envisions a Rhode Island where individuals and communities alike can prosper through comprehensive, holistic programs that address basic human needs and pave the way for lasting economic opportunities. When we uplift people by empowering them with the tools they need to succeed, we break the cycle of poverty and violence that holds us back.
We call on Rhode Island state leaders to partner with us in fostering a safer, more prosperous future for all residents. Together, we have the power to create the brighter tomorrow that every Rhode Islander deserves.