Initiative encourages Middle Georgia residents to ‘Just Walk Away’ from gun violence

Sixty people have been violently killed in Macon this year, shattering 2021’s total homicide count of 54.

That’s why Herbert Dennard, a 77-year-old Macon-Bibb resident, created “Just Walk Away,” an initiative to curb violence in the community. The goal is to teach and remind people that they can walk away from conflict instead of engaging in it.

“A lot of times when you don’t have as much money as other people, you already walk around, ready to blow up,” he said. “You got unemployment, you’re not working. If you’re working, you will make a very low wage. So you’re almost ready to blow up about something, and so when something happens, you’ll handle it differently than a lot of other people.”

With the help of community leaders such as Bibb County Sheriff David Davis and Bibb County Schools Superintendent Dan Sims, Dennard began to get his message out through t-shirts and posters in convenience stores, schools and churches.

“Every decision matters,” Dennard said. “Walking away, does that make you a coward? It takes strength to achieve peace between wisdom, make good choices, choose life and walk in your purpose. This is how you walk away.”

Just Walk Away’s next event is Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Unionville Baptist Church. Speakers include President of Central Georgia Technical College Ivan Allen, Macon District Attorney Anita R. Howard and Pastor of Unionville Baptist Church Ike E. Mack. Lunch will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring their children.

This story was originally published October 26, 2022 at 7:00 AM.