It starts with an investment in someone other than yourself, he said.

“We need to invest in the youth, invest in your neighbor,” Nuzum said during a Juneteenth Stop The Violence program at City Square Park Wednesday evening.

Nuzum was one of several speakers who talked about moving the community forward in a positive direction in the face of recent violence. Dozens of people gathered around the square for the speeches.

Members of the Fort Dodge community have held heavy hearts since two bystanders were shot and killed on June 16 in Pleasant Valley.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
The Rev. Rob Johnson, of Des Moines, speaks during a Juneteenth Stop The Violence program at City Square Park Wednesday night.

“Unity is what it’s going to take to stop the violence,” Nuzum said. “If we are not willing to go where the violence is taking place and have programs set up to reach kids who are at risk, but also reach the people who are already causing the trouble, we won’t stop the violence.

“We need to stop being on top of the hill looking down in Pleasant Valley or wherever the violence is taking place.”

Nuzum said community members need to look out for each other and reach out to help.

“Invest in other people’s kids like how you would want them to invest in your kids,” Nuzum said. “To stop the violence, it’s not taking away the guns, it’s purposely being peaceful in your thoughts, in your actions. To stop the violence, one of the things I would say is to purposely be peaceful in your every day life, in your home life, with your co-workers.

“What you teach your kids when they get home from school and pretty soon they will be in the position we are standing in, but what are the values they are going to hold when they get there?”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Zac Nuzum, of Fort Dodge, front, speaks to a crowd gathered at City Square Park for a Juneteenth Stop The Violence program Wednesday night.

Nuzum asked the crowd if they had heard the saying, “It takes a village.”

“I’m adding to it,” he said. “If the child does not feel like he belongs and is a part of the village, they will burn it down to feel its warmth.”

Colleen Peace, owner of The Wellness Project, emphasized that it’s never too late for change.

“It’s never too late for change,” she said. “Change is hard. But little by little people can change their views about life and what is acceptable — for others, but most importantly for themselves as well.”

Peace is married to Orlando Peace, a Fort Dodge firefighter.

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
Colleen Peace, owner of The Wellness Project, shares her message during a Juneteenth Stop The Violence program at City Square Park Wednesday night.

“Juneteenth is a symbol of love,” she said. “Love for my husband who just happens to look differently than I do, the love for my children who carry my heartbeat in their hearts.”

Peace said it’s vital that members of the community be role models.

“We all need to remember that little eyes are on us and when it comes time to decide if they want to handle their issues with hatred and a gun or words and peaceful, powerful action. These children will lean on what they already know to make that decision. This is a huge responsibility for us. It’s our chance to teach the right lessons.”

DeMarcus Carter, of Fort Dodge, said he moved to Fort Dodge about a year ago. And since that time he’s carried around business cards.

“I keep my business cards in my wallet,” he said. “I don’t keep my business cards in my wallet to network, I keep my business cards in my wallet because I’m scared. I feel like this says, ‘this guy is a scientist. He’s not making trouble, he’s a nerd. He’s 6 foot 4 and looks like he’s been into cake too much, but he’s not gonna hurt anybody.'”

But Carter decided Wednesday to stop that ritual.

Carter took out one of his business cards and tore it up.

“My promise to you — I’m going to stop being afraid of this community because I’m a part of this community. I don’t need these anymore.

“Let’s make Fort Dodge a city where no one feels like this is necessary. When you come to Fort Dodge, you’re a Dodger like all of us. Let’s build that better community together.”