Community movement aims to reduce youth violence

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington community is fighting the summer heat and youth violence with water. The “Guns Down, Water Up” movement is giving kids and teens a fun summer activity and organizers hope it’ll keep them out of trouble.

Community members have been gathering near 14^th and Nun Streets in Wilmington armed with water guns and water balloons.

Jay White, one of those who started the water play, said the massive water fight has grown to become a movement. He said it’s good to see the neighborhood come together.

“Right now you can see every side of town from the north side to the south side to the east side of town,” said White. “Everybody is coming together pulling up on one block squirting water guns, throwing water balloons.”

Ronnie Beatty, New Hanover High School student, said he is surprised by how fast “Guns Down, Water Up” is growing. He said he would like to see something good come out of it.

“Be kind of creators of our own and make a positive outlook on our community instead of all the bad things that the community is known for,” Beatty. “We hope to have a safe summer, positive summer, no drama, no violence, just straight water.”

Beatz Da God, a local DJ echoed that sentiment.

“Nobody not thinking about the violence. Everybody worried about water now. Nobody not thinking about beefing or problems. Everybody just dodging water. It’s just a positive movement,” said Beatz Da God.

White said while they want to have fun safety is their number one priority. They are telling kids to stay out of the street and for people to be careful driving through the area and abide by all the traffic laws.