Urban League of Hillsborough County Tries to Confront Gun Violence

By National Urban League
Published11 PM EDT, Fri Apr 25, 2025
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TAMPA (Nov. 27, 2023) - Stanley Gray, the interim president and CEO of the Urban League of Hillsborough County (Tampa, FL), addressed the complex issues underlying a recent mass shooting in Ybor City, in an interview recently.

Emphasizing the need for nuanced solutions, hee stressed the importance of parental responsibility in curbing youth-related problems during an interview on WMNF WaveMakers. Gray highlighted the need for fair and equitable approaches by city officials, cautioning against the implementation of a juvenile curfew solely in Ybor City, as such measures often lead to inequitable enforcement.

Expressing concern over the ease of accessibility to firearms, particularly among younger individuals, Gray emphasized the need for greater accountability and stricter regulations regarding gun ownership. He pointed out the relaxed laws in Florida, allowing adults to possess concealed guns without undergoing a gun safety course, stating that this leniency is ill-timed in the face of escalating gun-related incidents.

Regarding the Urban League's initiatives, Gray highlighted their focus on empowering youth by offering avenues to secure well-paying jobs through apprentice programs.

However, he highlighted the challenge of finding qualified participants for these programs, urging those interested to explore opportunities through ULHC.org. The Urban League's commitment to fostering economic opportunities for young individuals stands as a pivotal pillar in their efforts to address underlying issues contributing to incidents like the Ybor City shooting.

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