Mike Epps Joins Indy Teens in Powerful Dialogue on Gun Violence Prevention

Music, social media, and support systems were front and center as four Indianapolis students joined Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears and comedian Mike Epps for a powerful roundtable on gun violence prevention. Held on May 13, the conversation will debut as a podcast episode in June, part of a citywide initiative to amplify youth voices.Epps, an Indy native, shared his personal experiences with gun violence growing up. Student James Curry, a senior at Arsenal Tech who survived a shooting, shared his emotional recovery journey.Mears noted that gun possession is the top juvenile charge, and hopes these dialogues help curb violence during summer months. Students from Arsenal Tech, Warren Central, and Vision Academy spoke openly about how peer pressure, music culture, and safety concerns influence youth gun use.This conversation marks a critical step in empowering teens to shape solutions for their communities.