Gun violence forum set for Saturday in Macon

Since Stephanie Stone's 14-year-old son was killed a few years ago over a pair of tennis shoes, she has been spurred to action against gun violence.

On Saturday, Stone will be among the speakers at a Macon event featuring national organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Macon-Bibb County Government Center, at 700 Poplar St.

Stone's son Paul Sampleton Jr. was killed Dec. 19, 2012, at their Grayson residence over a plot to steal his tennis shoes. Three people were convicted in his death.

"I feel like it's my duty to do whatever I can," said Stone, the state's survivor engagement lead for Moms Demand Action. "It's not about gun control. It's about gun sense."

The event is also a chance for Moms Demand Action to gain more members, as a focus continues in cities where gun violence is prevalent, she said.

Also speaking Saturday is Lucia McBath, whose son's shooting death drew national attention in 2012. Jordan Davis, 17, was killed at a Jacksonville, Florida, gas station after a 45-year-old confronted Davis and his friends for playing loud music in an SUV.

Davis died after Michael Dunn, later sentenced to life in prison, fired multiple shots into the vehicle. McBath is the faith and community outreach leader for Everytown for Gun Safety.

"People can understand they have a voice, and they need to use their voice," Stone said. "We need to do something about that because we're losing too many people."

Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Al Tillman, who helped organize Saturday's event, sponsored a resolution asking state legislators to revise gun laws by restricting people from being able to carry them at public events or government facilities. The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved the resolution earlier this year.

Saturday's event will be an opportunity for others affected by violence.

"This is a place for moms to find an organization that feels their sentiments and cares about them," Tillman said.

To contact writer Stanley Dunlap, call 744-4623.

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 9:32 PM with the headline "Gun violence forum set for Saturday in Macon ."