While the effects of Thursday’s nonviolence moment may not be evident just yet, the effort behind the cause is outstanding.

I commend the community leaders who took the time to speak to the youth Thursday at the School of Discovery Genesis Center ‘s Student Union: Stop the Violence ceremony Thursday at P.A. Pickard Auditorium. In a community where 12 murders occurred in over the course of the year, it essential that we talk to the young people about their role in the city’s anti-violence movement.

The tragedy of 18-year-old Selma High student Alexis Hunter’s murder inspired the school to hold an assembly that would help prevent similar incidents from happening.

It’s good to know that even the most horrific situations can bring about a blessing.

Selma Mayor George Evans, Acting Superintendent Larry DiChiara of Selma City schools, Commander Lt. Johnny King of the Selma Police Department and Brant Center CEO David Brantley were among the speakers that presented Thursday.

Each speaker had a different approach to the issue, but they all drove home the important point that getting an education, obeying guardians and listening to educators will help keep the young people from getting into any trouble that could get them or others hurt.

Each shared words of wisdom that showcased the passion they have for the movement against violence. One of the most moving lectures came from King and Brantley.

King shared the harsh realities he experiences daily as a commander of the department’s Internal Affairs Administrative Division.

King begged the children to help reduce the violence in the community, which he said starts by straying away from troubling situations.

“I’m tired of doing death notifications,” King said. “I’m tired of going to people’s house at two and three o’clock in the morning and telling them some fool has killed your loved one.”

Like King, I hope they young kids take the correct actions to join the Stop the Violence moment.

While some may perceive Brantley’s words about terrifying truths about the dangers of jail life as too harsh for children’s ears, I think that his presentation was an necessary addition to the Student Union: Stop the Violence program.

At times, we try to protect our children from harsh realities, thinking that we’re doing what is in their best interests when that’s not always the case. It could paint a picture in those students’ minds that will steer then away from getting involved in anything that can put people in serious danger.

I can only hope that those young children will apply everything they heard at the event to their life.