Fighting Violence Through Words: Essay contest inspires solutions to community violence

LANSING, Mich. (InvestigateTV) — Violence is a reality that affects countless lives, but finding solutions requires more than just acknowledging the problem—it requires action.

One initiative encouraging young voices to contribute to the conversation is an annual essay contest, inspiring high school seniors to express their experiences, emotions, and ideas on how to combat violence in their communities.

A Personal Perspective on Violence

Zachary Barker, a former participant in the contest, knows firsthand the impact of violence.

“On February 7, 2023, at 9:03 AM, I was directly impacted by a hoax call stating there was a shooter in my high school,” Barker recalls. Trapped in a closet with his teacher and some students with disabilities, he was forced to stay calm under terrifying circumstances. This “swatting” incident at Okemos High School was only the beginning of his ordeal.

Just days later, Barker found himself at the center of real gun violence. He was on the campus of Michigan State University when a gunman opened fire, leaving three students dead and five others seriously injured.

“My theater group was on lockdown at the Wharton Center on campus. Instantly, I was reliving my trauma again,” Barker said. “Violence made me feel anxious, vulnerable, and powerless. But it also made me angry. Somebody has to make it stop.”

Turning Grief Into Action

Michael McKissic has dedicated nearly a decade to that mission. His nonprofit, the Mikey 23 Foundation, helps keep young people off the streets by involving them in community rehabilitation projects. The foundation is named after McKissic’s son, who was tragically shot and killed at the age of 23. His killer was never brought to justice.

“It’s still emotional because we don’t have closure,” McKissic shared. “But writing about it has been very helpful for me and my family.”

McKissic’s daughter launched the essay contest as a way to encourage youth to engage in meaningful discussions about violence. The response has been overwhelming, with students pouring their hearts onto paper.

The Power of Words

Reese Robinson, a past contest winner, highlighted an issue many young people face today.

“Sadly, my generation has been so desensitized to violence that I often have to remind myself that it’s not normal,” she wrote. “Violence is happening too much and being talked about too little—especially in African American communities.”

McKissic believes that listening to these young voices is key.

“They have some beautiful ideas—things I never even thought of,” he said. “Because they’re experiencing this firsthand among their peers.”

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