NEW ORLEANS — InspireNOLA Charter Schools says they've lost four students to gun violence this school year.
That number includes recent Edna Karr graduate, Courtney Hughes, who was killed at a party the day after Christmas.
Her sister spoke at an assembly Wednesday morning following a peace walk.
“Ever since then, I’ve been asking myself, ‘When will this stop?’ We have to stand up, do our part and call attention to this issue," Kai Hughes said.
According to InspireNOLA CEO, Jamar McKneely, Kai played an important role in making Wednesday's walk and assembly happen.
Students from McDonough 35, McMain and Edna Karr participated at their respective schools.
At Edna Karr's walk, students stood silent for four minutes to honor the four lives lost.
At the school's assembly, students were asked to raise their hand if they knew a victim of gun violence. Almost every hand was raised.
Meanwhile, Edna Karr Mother and Activist, Bridgette Martin, is calling on parents to step up.
“You’ve got parents that know the things their children are bringing in the home that they didn’t pay for. Tell me how a councilman can fix that. That’s on us," Martin said.
Councilmembers Freddie King and JP Morrell were present at the walk.
“I was recently told by a parent that her child was afraid to be a part of Mardi Gras. The child was afraid to march in a parade," King said.
That's why McKneely has put the City of New Orleans on notice. He called on them to discuss student safety on the parade routes.
“We are less than 30 days from Mardi Gras. We’re concerned about the protection of our students. We're concerned about how our students can get through a safe Mardi Gras, and we're asking for a meeting. We're asking for some conversations," McKneely said.
Council President, JP Morrell, said the public is invited next Wednesday to a special meeting to discuss the ongoing "crisis of crime."
"It is not incumbent upon kids to fix this problem. They are an important part of the solution," Morrell said. “But it is incumbent upon adults in government to lead that charge.”
Edna Karr had pastors and mental health professionals on-site during the walk and assembly.
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