By: James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
There are several events today that make me think about my days as a young boy. While technology and other improvements have made life better, I long sometimes for the days of yesteryear.
Maybe some of yesteryear could be blended into this year. Some of yesterday’s mores could be infused into today’s mores.
We could use a little more please and thank you instead of remaining silent. How about acting a little better instead of being off the chain. Having a more pleasant disposition as opposed to having a scowl on your face.
As I go around the landscape these days, I see the constant look of bewilderment and unhappiness, especially among our youth.
Just days ago, tragedy occurred at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon. Confirmed reports say that a boy, age 16 shot and killed three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School. This sadness overwhelms me because children and a teacher are gone too soon because of gun violence.
It pains me to use guns and schools in the same sentence. This continues to be a problem in the United States of America. According to CNN data analysis, this is the 36th shooting on K-12 school grounds in 2026.
The young shooter was fatally wounded by one of the parents at the school. The shooter’s mother told CNN, “I’m so sorry.” Records show that he was a student at the school a few years ago.
The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement tries to figure out the motive behind this school shooting. At this time, we can only speculate as to what may have triggered this incident.
We are living in a society where guns are getting into the hands of the wrong people. How do children get their hands on guns? Unfortunately, it troubles me to say that’s an easy answer.
Parents and relatives are simply careless with these deadly weapons. They keep them in places that are easily accessible to children. Keeping them in a locked safety box is the only way to go and parents must maintain strict control of the keys. That is my opinion.
Prior to this case, there were some other recent gun tragedies that involved young children. One of them happened in Sterling Heights, Michigan. A child in pre-school had a gun in their backpack. Fortunately, a teacher discovered it before harm was done.
Do you recall the case involving a child age 3 who brought a loaded firearm to class? This happened at the Children’s World Early Learning Center in Canton Township, Michigan.
While you are reading this, you are probably wondering how in the world did these incidents happen? You must pay attention to detail when you own a gun. When there is a lack of attention to detail, things happen.
I am totally flummoxed as to what the mindset is of love providers when they leave guns out in public spaces. Do you think kids will just walk by them and not pick them up?
According to reports from the Pew Research Center and Gallup, 77 million to 107 million people own guns in America. This is roughly 32% to 40% of adults. Men own guns at a rate of 40% to 45% while women own them at a rate of 12% to 19%.
Now for those affected by the gun violence most recently in Oregon, the lives of these families will never be the same. Anguish and torment will be their constant companions. Schools will be out for the Thanksgiving holiday soon. As a result, children will be at home playing and having fun. As we did when we were young, they will get into stuff. Be cognizant of the fact that it only takes a minute for joy to turn into sadness. Be careful and be cautious.
James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D. is a long-time educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
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