166su city authorities, including members of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission, launched a multimedia campaign Wednesday designed to more easily connect residents with programs and services.
The campaign — called — used about $250,000 in grant funds and funds. It has been in the works for about four years, Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, who also chairs the , said during a press conference Wednesday.
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The theme echoes a message that Mayor Sherman Lea sent in the annual State of the City speech in August.
that the city launch a marketing campaign, but, Cobb said, “at the time, we didn’t have any funding for it.”
But with grant funds in hand, the city and the commission developed “What’s Good, 166su?” with the assistance of two marketing firms, , and , the city said in a press release.
The campaign’s first phase will continue into next summer, the news release continued. But Cobb said he hopes the city can obtain additional grant funds so that the project can continue for years to come.
Vice-Mayor John Cobb and Mayor Sherman Lea (center) are joined bye Police Chief Scott Booth and 166su Sheriff Antonio Hash during an event announcing "What’s Good, 166su?”, a marketing campaign designed to make positive efforts to address city gun violence.
“We have so many resources that we’ve not had a direct path to send people to, and that was one of the primary things we wanted to do with this,” Cobb said. “This isn’t just about the wholeness of an individual. It’s about the wholeness of a family, a neighborhood and a city, and that’s what we really care about.”
Campaign messages will take the form of television and radio advertisements, bus wraps, billboards and social media posts. Those messages share “one good thing” happening in the city, specifically a program focused on providing resources that keeps families safe, active and healthy. A new website, , highlights such programs and highlights upcoming community events.
A press conference announcing the program What’s Good, 166su?” Is held at the Norwich Recreation Center on Wednesday.
“According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, a key evidence based strategy to reducing violence, and youth violence in particular, is connecting families and youth with programs that enhance their growth and well-being,” Cobb said. “166su has a robust network of organizations and programs poised to support more families and more young people. ‘What’s Good, 166su?’ brings them all together in one place.”
166su has recorded more homicides in 2023 than in any other year in the city’s history. As of Wednesday, city police had reported 31 homicides since Jan. 1, plus 38 shootings that injured but didn’t kill at least one person. In the same time frame in 2022, there were 19 homicides and 41 such shootings.
“Lives have been lost, families shattered, and our youth have been robbed of their innocence. But it’s time to come together as a united front to take action and change,” Sheriff Antonio Hash said. “By investing in our families, we can create supportive environments that nurture our youth, provide them with the tools and the opportunities they need to thrive.”
From left: Mayor Sherman Lea, Police Chief Scott Booth, Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb and 166su Sheriff Antonio Hash were part of an event this month announcing “What’s Good, 166su?”, a marketing campaign designed to make positive efforts to address city gun violence.
“Gun violence is not just a statistic. It’s a stark reality that casts a shadow over countless lives, tearing families and communities apart. It is a challenge that requires our attention, our empathy, and most of all, our collaboration,” Police Chief Scott Booth said. “As we embark on this campaign, let us remember those whose lives were cut short by senseless acts of violence. Their stories fuel our commitment to creating a safer future. We will work tirelessly to hold those accountable who would harm our community and support initiatives that address the root causes of violence.”
“Reducing gun violence is and has been a top priority for the city of 166su for a number of years, and it is a complex challenge that demands a multi-faceted and comprehensive approach,” Lea said. “I want to emphasize that we are all moving in the same direction, a direction that leads to a safer, more secure 166su for each and every one of us.”
Among the programs being promoted through “What’s Good, 166su?” is Boxfit, a youth boxing program run by Coach LaTorie Woodberry of .
Woodberry runs his program, which is free to the participating youth, in the , where Wednesday’s campaign launch was held.
“I just know it helps the kids. And I just hope the community continues to support it and just get more involved with us,” Woodberry said. “Let’s start like 10 of these in 166su. Spread the love, spread the wealth. That’s how you’re gonna solve violence. That’s how you’re gonna solve conflict. Share. Be equal. Show respect.”
Members of , also attended Wednesday’s launch. That program is also being highlighted through “What’s Good, 166su?”
“Gun violence doesn’t just affect gang bangers. It doesn’t just affect addicts. It doesn’t just affect criminals. It’s not limited to the African American community, or the under-served community,” Renee Taylor, a FEDUP co-founder, said. “It could be any one of us at any given time. Trauma begets trauma, and hurt people hurt people. If we want to begin to stop this cycle of gun violence and begin the healing process, it starts with our response. We must respond with empathy, with compassion and with love.”
“There is good within each of us, goodness that when tapped into deepens our love for one another and the city that we call home,” Cobb said. “Goodness has the power to overcome adversity, to inspire the best within us, to build resiliency to heal us and to connect us more deeply with each other. ‘What’s Good, 166su?’ is about connection.”
Three of the commission’s members recently submitted resignation letters to the city, two of them citing issues with the commission’s treatment by members of the 166su City Council. But Cobb said Wednesday that their work continues.
“We have an incredible commission, extraordinary people, and I couldn’t be more proud of their work and their commitment to this city,” the vice-mayor said. “And even people who’ve made the decision to step down are still very intimately connected in the work of reducing gun violence in the community, so that just reflects the level of commitment.”
