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Recent violence sparks plans for million youth march of Charlotte

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It's been a month, but for Devondia Roseborough, the pain of losing her young cousin is still very fresh.

Davion Funderburk, 21, and three others were shot last month while riding inside a car on Regan Drive. Funderburk and 23-year-old Inna Gonzalez were killed.

"It's just amazing how precious a life is that someone could just take it away over something petty, over something crazy," Roseborough said.

That is a big part of the reason why she is joining in on a new effort sparked by the violence that claimed her cousin's life.

Organizers Mario Black and Shawnta Clark have dubbed the movement "The Million Youth March of Charlotte." Black is a behavior specialist with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and said what happens in the streets often carries over into the classroom.

"I've seen a tremendous impact. A lot these issues carry into the schools and they deal with it in their own way. Some of them act out and that's where I come in," he said.

Black and Clark are starting to spread the word about the effort on Facebook and Twitter.

The march will target those aged 13-25. Organizers plan to ask colleges and job recruiters, city leaders, churches, and school districts throughout the area to participate as well.

Roseborough will be on the planning committee.

"I just know that it's going to be more than marching, more than walking, more than talking. We have to act. Acting out in the streets. Acting out in our communities and going out into the homes," she said.

"If we can come together and listen to Lil' Wayne, we can come together and do other things, we can come together and stand against violence," Clark said.

Organizers will hold a planning meeting on Monday, Aug. 12 at the Antioch Baptist Church at 232 Skyland Ave in Grier Heights.

For more information about the march, you can contact organizers via twitter @mYOUTHmoc or email at mymocnc@yahoo.com.

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