ROCHESTER, N.Y — City leaders and community members are using a simple message in their efforts to stop gun violence: “Think About It.”

A new initiative was introduced Tuesday by Rochester City Councilmember Willie Lightfoot, Mayor Lovely Warren and members of law enforcement agencies. They stood united in support of the new initiative, designed to help city residents understand the long-lasting impact of gun violence.

“Rochester is a small community. It’s 2-3 degrees away from separation so a lot of these individuals who are shot or are victims of these crimes, I know them,” Lightfoot said.  

The anti-gun violence program will be spearheaded by Lightfoot and the Roc Against Violence Coalition. In the audience were many people who have firsthand experience with gun violence. 

“Everything I do, I do it for Chris,” said Sirena Cotton of Rochester. 

She came to City Hall Tuesday in honor of her son, Christopher Jones, who was shot and killed in 2007. He was just 16 years old. Every year Sirena celebrates his birthday during the Roc the Peace Fest, an event she created. 

“I recently went to visit his killer and ‘think about it’ just rang so much when I heard it,” Cotton said. “That’s what he said when I went to visit him, that had thought about it, he wouldn’t be in jail and my baby wouldn’t be dead.” 

“When you go to these funerals and you see these individuals, you really want to say enough is enough,” Lightfoot said. 

The first Think About It Campaign meeting will take place August 15. Anyone looking to volunteer should contact the office of Councilman Willie Lightfoot at 585-428-6554.