Peach Tree Times

State Representative Carl Gilliard of Savannah will lead the 2025 Kickoff Meeting for the Chatham County Gang Prevention and Intervention Commission. The event will take place on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Georgia Southern University Jr. Achievement Discovery Center located on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, Georgia.

Carl Gilliard has expressed concern over the recent increase in violence within Savannah, noting instances of shootings and murders over the past few months. "Recently, Savannah has experienced a rise in violence, including shootings and murders in the past few months," said Rep. Gilliard. “It’s important that we take a proactive approach to engage with our youth and young adults.” He also indicated that the meeting would introduce three initiatives intended to reduce youth violence in Savannah, with plans to launch them by the summer.

The commission, established by House Bill 750 passed and signed into law during the 2021 legislative session, is required to submit an annual report. The report's role is to propose coordinated efforts between educational entities and community groups to prevent and address youth gang involvement within Chatham County.

For those interested in more information or planning to attend, contact (912) 436-5325.