Memphis Community Center Shaken by Gunfire
Memphis, Tenn. — What was meant to be an ordinary day at the Whitehaven Community Center turned into a shocking scene of violence last week when a fight broke out among teens, ultimately leading to a parent allegedly firing shots into the crowd. New video footage has recently surfaced, showing just how quickly things spiraled out of control.
Witnesses, especially young ones, are still grappling with the emotional aftermath of the incident. A Hillcrest High student named Winter Harmon shared her experience, saying, “They got the fighting this and that, and when I seen it, I was scared and stuff. I was like, why would y’all go walk over there to watch a fight?” Her words echo the confusion and fear felt by many in attendance.
A Frightening Turn of Events
It all started with a fight among the teens. However, it took a frightening turn when Tequila Curry, a 43-year-old parent, was arrested for allegedly pepper-spraying and shooting one of the girls involved. Winter describes how chaotic the atmosphere became: “It all happened so fast. It was just crazy and scary because she was aiming at the crowd too.” It’s evident that the shockwaves of that day are still rippling through the community.
For many kids, like Winter, such experiences don’t simply fade away. They linger in the back of the mind, causing fear and anxiety. Licensed professional counselor Henry Isaac points out the importance of addressing the impact of such trauma on children. “When you talk about trauma for a child, it gets them in a position where they are fearful, where they are anxious, where there could be depression,” he explained. “We can get them into a situation where we teach EMDR, where we do some trauma-related things that will help them work through their anxiety, work through the depression, and help them understand what is trauma.”
Seeking Help After Trauma
Isaac emphasizes the need for parents to recognize the signs of distress in their children after such traumatic events. He encourages parents to be vigilant about changes in behavior that might indicate their child is struggling. “The key to it is, the parents have got to know what those behaviors look like. They’ve got to know if the child is having nightmares or if the child is being fearful,” Isaac advised.
Winter echoed the sentiment for leaders in the community, stressing the immediate need for action: “They need to stop the violence because it is very — it hurts kids and stuff.” It’s a heartfelt appeal from a young girl who has seen too much and craves peace in her environment.
The Community’s Reaction
As the community processes the repercussions of this incident, many are coming together to advocate for safer spaces for their children. Parents, educators, and local leaders are urged to discuss measures that can prevent similar occurrences in the future. That might mean organizing community events where young people can engage in positive interactions instead of fighting and chaos.
In conclusion, it’s clear that this incident at the Whitehaven Community Center serves as a painful reminder of the impact that violence can have on our youth. The emotional scars may take time to heal, but with the right support and resources, there’s hope for a peaceful resolution and healing. The community must forge ahead, united in their resolve to protect their youngest members and to foster an environment where safety and kindness reign.
