WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A community activist is speaking out against gun violence with a major section of our state seeing a rise in homicides.

Frankie Gist feels the world community is the most important part of this. He says everyone should be doing more to help stop the violence, it’s not just up to one organization or one person.

“There is no reason why anyone should lose their life, no matter what they’ve done. You know, no one should lose their life,” said Gist, the founder of Hope Dealer Outreach.

Gist walked in the neighborhood of one of the latest homicides in Winston-Salem.

“Being here. It brings back so many other memories with other cases that I have fought. And it just makes me say, ‘You know what? There’s more that we have to do,’” Gist said.

Gist founded Hope Dealer Outreach, a nonprofit fighting against social injustices and gun violence and trying to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.

“We just try to be there for our community in any way we can,” Gist said.

Gist said he started his nonprofit after the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012 and having his own experiences of going down the wrong path.

“I was truly a lost kid, you know, at 16 years old. I’ll never forget it when they told my mom, say, your son probably won’t live to be 18 years old. I’ll never forget they told my mom that probably by the age of 21, he’ll be locked up for life in prison for either drugs, murder or robbery or whatever. He would have a criminal record,” Gist said.

Now, he’s trying to help his community to become better and says the gun violence can be prevented.

“City officials put in programs in place that would help our community get out of this dilemma that we’re in. Because if we don’t do anything now, I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Gist said.

According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, there have been 41 homicides so far this year, up 10 from last year’s 31. 

According to the Greensboro Police Department, there have been 60 homicides so far this year.

“Now it makes me want to hold everyone who has power in this community accountable for every killing that happens. Every one that sits at a table is held accountable for that shooting. Why? Because you hold a certain power that can help bring change,” Gist said.

And Gist feels all city officials and community organizations like his should be coming together to help stop the violence.

“We are going to lose so many more young men and young women to gun violence. And it’s not going to be anybody fault. But the city officials and the organizations who all couldn’t work together to help bring change,” Gist said.

Winston-Salem police say they need ongoing assistance from everyone in the community to ensure safety is maintained. They want the community to use the acronym S.A.F.E.:

• S — Sign up for camera registry program at connectwinstonsalem.org. Businesses can enroll in “Get Connected Winston-Salem” at no cost. Residents can also enroll in the camera sharing program. 
• A — Anonymously send information, photos or videos through the Text-A-Tip hotline at 336-276-1717. You may also report information to Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800. 
• F — Follow your instincts. ALWAYS be aware of surroundings and if anything feels unsafe or gives you a bad feeling, please proactively call at the non-emergency number 336-773-7700.
• E — Ensure you look out for yourself and one another. We must come together to combat the violence in our community.