SIKESTON, Mo. -- Recent violence in Sikeston has sparked citizen concerns that have led to discussions both in person and on social media and prompted a community meeting in search of solutions.

The public is invited to a community forum at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Jubilee House of Prayer, 416 Greer St. in Sikeston.

Sponsored by the Westend Empowerment Community Betterment Association, the purpose of the meeting is to address the continued killings and unrest in area communities.

All pastors, organizations, civic groups and concerned citizens of Sikeston and other towns are encouraged to attend.

"It's time for all of us -- white, black, rich, poor, upper-lower class, criminals, victims, youth, adults, etc. -- to come together," said Sikeston native Harry Howard, president of Westend Empowerment Community Betterment Association.

Howard said it's a time for action, which also should be the purpose of the Westend Empowerment Community Betterment Association.

"I've been praying," Howard said. "Several people started calling and saying: 'Who's going to take a step -- the pastors, community groups or individuals?'"

The answer, Howard said, is all of these.

After a recent act of violence in Sikeston, a discussion followed on Facebook, and Howard said an acquaintance posted: "When are the churches and pastors and going to do something? Stop texting and emailing -- and do something."

That's how Saturday's meeting originated, he said.

"It's a community focus," Howard said. "... It's like a silent movement."

Howard said a panel is being formed, and committees will be organized to help find viable ways to address the ongoing violence.

Sikeston resident Jeff Williams said he plans to attend the meeting Saturday.

"One of the reasons I want to get involved is my boys have grown up in this town," Williams said of his 22- and 20-year-old sons. "A lot of these kids have slept on my couch, and I feel like I've raised some of them myself or like they're part of my family, and they have ventured off in places they shouldn't have. I don't understand why."

Some of the mugshots Williams sees in the local news he knows, and others he doesn't.

"I've got one kid who breaks my heart, and he's sitting (in prison) in Bonne Terre, (Missouri), and he was like my third child. I have two kids who don't know (what) color means," Williams said.

Like many other citizens, Williams said he doesn't understand where the violence is coming from -- or why.

Pertinent address:

416 Greer St., Sikeston, Mo.