Columbia Faces Heavy Rainfall as Community Forum Tackles Gun Violence Concerns

Columbia Prepares for Heavy Rain and Community Forum on Gun Violence

Columbia, September 26, 2024 — It’s a drizzly day here in our lovely city, but that’s just the start of the weather story. The forecast is calling for some seriously heavy rainfall later today, so grab your umbrellas and waterproof gear if you have plans to head out. Meteorologists are predicting 3 to 5 inches of rain through tonight, so it’s safe to say that we should all brace ourselves!

As for the temperature, it’ll be a warm day with a high of 77°F. We can expect winds coming from the east-southeast at speeds of 10 to 15 mph, but those gentle breezes will pick up overnight. Temperatures will drop to a cozy 74°F, while winds shift to the northeast and ramp up to a brisk 25 to 35 mph. Those looking for a chance of rain? Don’t worry—it’s sitting at a solid 100%. If you’re planning to enjoy the evening on the porch, you might want to reconsider.

In fact, scattered thunderstorms are expected to rumble into town this evening, with the potential for more widespread storms overnight. Rain could even reach about an inch, depending on how the weather decides to play out. So, if you hear some strange noises outside, it’s likely just Mother Nature making her presence felt!

Community Comes Together Against Gun Violence

This evening isn’t just about the rain. There’s an important event happening too. Building Better Communities (BBC) is hosting an **“End Gun Violence” forum** at 7:30 p.m. in the Lenoir Rhyne University Stavros Auditorium, located at 4201 N. Main St.. This forum aims to bring attention to the disturbing rise of gun violence that has been affecting Columbia and various communities across our nation.

Moderated by the lively and engaging media personality Cynthia Hardy, a panel of speakers will come together for discussion. Among them are Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, representatives from the Columbia Police Department, and local activists including Trevon Fordham, Antjuan Seawright, Wyteria Andrews, Dr. Ivory Thigpen, and Brenda Murphy.

In a thoughtful statement, Sheriff Lott commented, “Gun violence is not just a statistic; it’s a heartbreaking reality that affects real lives, especially our youth and communities of color. We are coming together to seek real solutions and to empower our citizens to play a role in ending this senseless violence.” His words reflect a shared concern held by many in our community, especially since alarming national data indicates that gun-related deaths are the leading cause of fatalities among children and teenagers in the U.S., particularly impacting Black youth.

This evening’s forum won’t just be a one-way conversation. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and engage with the panel, making it a truly interactive experience focused on generating solutions and support for affected families. It’s a welcoming opportunity for anyone looking to understand and help combat the challenges our community is facing.

If you’re interested in attending or want to learn more about the event, you can reach out to Perry Bradley Jr., the CEO of BBC, at 803-977-8088, or check out their website. This is a chance for all of us to come together and encourage positive change!

As we brace for the stormy weather outside and a profound conversation inside, let’s all stay safe, engaged, and proactive in our community events. Whether you’re soaking wet from rain or soaking in important insights from the forum, Columbia is buzzing with activity today!