Five Austin-East High school students have been murdered this year (from January through April 2021). All of them happened while students were headed home at the end of their day, with one inside of the school.
The community is in fear of the lives of black children. Law enforcement has provided limited information to only two of the five murders, which has led the community to turn within and to a higher power for direction and support.
Pastors, congregations, and religious groups within the city of Knoxville have united for a city-wide prayer meeting at 6 pm, Tuesday, April 20. The meeting will be outside at Payne Avenue Mssy Baptist Church at 2714 Martin Luther King Blvd. where Rev. Richard Brown, Jr. is the pastor. The church is located one block from Austin-East High School.
Ministers from across the city are scheduled to speak. Attendees can remain in their cars and if for those not in a vehicle are asked to follow COVID-19 guidelines set by the CDC and Knox County Health Department, which includes socially distanced and wearing masks.
The City of Knoxville is a sponsor of this event.
Stay tuned. This is the second prayer meeting, with plans to continue on Tuesdays at the same time and location.