Turn Up Knoxville funded after a 7-1 council vote
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
Turn Up Knoxville’s two years of violence interruption through street outreach seems to be working as the city reported a more than 30% reduction in homicides following its first year alone.
Turn Up Knox was formed by Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development (SEEED) as “a violence interruption street outreach program, which strives to help interrupt cycles of gun violence in Knoxville.”
Last week, the Knoxville City Council considered direct funding of $450,000 for another year of Turn Up Knox’s services. But the funding agreement resolution saw some criticism from Councilwoman Amelia Parker.
Speaking for the funding was Vincent Jones Jr., who credited Turn Up Knox with saving lives by being directly involved in situations. Kyle Pickell of Vine Middle Magnet School said the school partners with Turn Up Knox, which he called “the fabric of our community,” and added that when things could get violent, “They show up.”
Rev. Sam Brown said the non-profit organization has had a “great impact’ on the community and is always present when needed. LaKenya Middlebrook, director of the Office of Community Empowerment, also praised Turn Up Knox and called it “a product of the community.”
Councilwoman Amelia Parker was critical of the funding and asked why complete financial reports were not being sent to the council and said an explanation of activities and expenditures was needed. She also questioned the direct funding of Turn Up and said the officers of that organization had their salaries doubled.
Councilwoman Lauren Rider wasn’t at the meeting but several members made statements including Debbie Helsley who asked about the organization’s reporting. She asked that the members of Turn Up Knox be listed on their website.
Gwen McKenzie also asked about the gaps in salaries and noted the city gives 90 percent of the Turn Up Knox funding. Community Empowerment reported receiving monthly reports and it was noted that Turn Up Knox had only recently received non-profit status. Mayor Indya Kincannon replied that the group also gets outside grants. The mayor said she was impressed with their progress.
Councilman Tommy Smith said he was impressed with the “measurable change in our community” thanks to the group’s work and noted the city funds about 100 nonprofit groups without a level of detailed reporting.
Middlebrook said the group spent its first year doing community involvement work and developing relationships. She said they then built a staff and volunteer base and getting professional training and growing professionally.
Councilwoman Seema Singh said the effort is becoming “pretty effective” and McKenzie added that she appreciates the work that Turn Up Knox and other partners do.
“Ask everyone to consider the cost of gun violence versus the cost of Turn Up Knox,” advised Councilman Smith.
The funding passed in a 7-1 vote with Parker voting “No.”
