There is no doubt that gun violence is an epidemic in America, with no town, city or metropolitan being exempt. According to the CDC, there were over 48,000 gun related deaths in the United States in 2023 and those most likely to be affected are teen and young adults, with rates being higher in the African American, Latino and Indigenous communities.
That makes the work of local nonprofit, DrumzUp GunzDown that much more important. The group focuses on mentoring youth in the community through the art of drumming, spotlighting the need for safe activities for local youth and helping families who have been affected by gun violence and advocating for gun control.
Founder Kandi Hoskins is no stranger to gun violence and it’s ripple effect in the community and the devastation it leaves in its wake. The organization was founded after the loss of Hoskins brother.
“The purpose of Drumzup Gunzdown is to make a change in our community to inspire and educate our youth on positive decision-making. We started Drumzup Gunzdown after we lost my brother to Gun violence … The purpose of Drumzup Gunzdown is to make a change in our community to inspire and educate our youth on positive decision-making,” Hoskins said.
Drumming has long been an activity that gathers and bonds people. Hoskins is a believer in the drumming and its ability to provide an alternative to vulnerable youth in the area. Providing an after-school activity and a safe space decreases the chances that they will pick up a firearm or have a firearm used against them. Drumming is also a great way to channel emotions and learn discipline.
“We want our community youth and everyone in our community to know that drumming is therapeutic and the type of music that we listen to can impact our decision-making. We want our community to know that whenever you’re stressed or dealing with any type of emotions, you can pick up a pair of drumsticks and create a beautiful sound. Those drumsticks will distract you because you’re creating a beat. In so many ways we’ve learned that drumming has helped those that have mental illnesses. We’ve learned that drumming is therapeutic, and we’ve also learned that drumming is something that people can do that can make them happy,” Hoskins said.
While teaching and mentoring is the main focus of the organization, DrumzUp GunzDown, hosts free community events providing a safe space for families to gather and have a great time. They also collaborate with other local nonprofits for fundraising events, helping bring awareness and resources to those who need them the most. Hoskins and the group have been active in the community talks about gun violence in the city of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. They have hosted countless events bringing awareness to the areas with high firearm violence rate and the lack of funding that is allotted to programs to help combat the problem from the source.
With any organization working with the youth, it takes a village.
“I want to give a shout out to my family and our organization for believing in me to know that we’re not just doing this for our brother, but we’re doing this for all of those that have lost and loved ones. I also want to give a shout out to our community for standing behind us, believing us, and knowing that we really truly care about each and every one. Thank you.”
For more information on DrumzUp GunzDown, how you can get involved and their next event, follow them of their social media https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090423213986.