As the Rev. Odell Hopkins looked over the people who had come together at the Fifth Street Baptist Church to remember 21-year-old Randarious Smith, who was shot and killed in Meridian Sept. 17, he saw young people who were desperate and confused, family members who were broken and a church filled with sorrow for another young man lost to needless violence.

    Hopkins felt a need to go into action — to do something more than preach to his flock about the violence tearing the community apart. Hopkins believes he and other religious leaders need to step out from behind the pulpit and into the streets to reach those who most need guidance and encouragement.

    “In the midst of this very sad time came the desire to bring the entire community together for the sake of prayer,” Hopkins said, as he sat in the shade of Dumont Plaza, which will be the site of the prayer vigil Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. “Prayer can solve a great many problems but sometimes action needs to follow prayer and that is what I’m seeking: people who can pray and at the same time become active so we can save our youth, and our city.”

    Hopkins decided to host a prayer vigil, dubbed “Purposeful Prayer,” and invite people to attend from all denominations and races. The hope is that all those who attend join together to address the problems that lead to violence.

    Hopkins, pastor of West Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, is calling for an end to black-on-black crime in Meridian. He is hoping for at least 150 young black men to be there in addition to others from all races, nationalities and backgrounds.

    Smith’s fatal shooting followed on the heels of the Aug. 21 death of Jaddarian Jimerson, 23, who was gunned down in the 2900 block of 10th Avenue. Meridian police have arrested three suspects in the fatal shooting.

    “This is not only a black problem but a problem for everyone,” Hopkins said. “We are all in this together and I’m hoping that together we can get the problems out in the open so we can do something about them.”

    Hopkins said poverty and a sense of hopelessness are contributing factors to violence.    

    “Once people get really desperate they become destructive,” Hopkins said. “We need to reach out to these people, find out what their specific needs are and then get them the help they need. That is why I hope we have spiritual leaders as well as community leaders who are in a position to provide more immediate help.”

    Hopkins said he has had great response from church leaders he has been able to contact so far. But he can’t reach everyone. That is why he is inviting all pastors and clerics and all of their congregations, especially young adults, to attend the prayer vigil in Dumont Plaza.

    “We, as a community, have a level of influence we have yet to exercise,” Hopkins said. “Now is the time for our voice to be heard over the sound of gunshots and sorrow.”

    For more information on the prayer vigil, contact Hopkins at 601-934-7405.