ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A St. Petersburg nonprofit held a training for more than 50 young people to teach ways to help end gun violence and honor the memory of a 20-year-old man who was shot and killed in 2019.
Quis for Life was started by Maress Scott after his son, Marquis Scott, was shot and killed on Sept. 17, 2019. Marquis Scott was a high school athlete, and his father said people he thought were his friends took his life.
The training focused on what Quis for Life calls the five keys to ending gun violence. Participants watched videos and discussed how gun violence affects more than the person who is shot.
The group also raised awareness about the role alcohol and drugs can play, discussed snitching culture and stressed the need for young people to make changes in their communities.
The training comes as data published in July by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions said guns were the leading cause of death for children for the fifth consecutive year. According to the report, more than 2,200 children died by firearm in 2024.
“Every kid we get to talk to, especially before they walk down that road, we get to plant that seed of personal accountability and yes, it matters, it matters,” said Maress Scott, president of Quis for Life.
Maress Scott said he hopes the nonprofit can help change the culture in the community and put an end to violence.
The organization has trained 2,700 children so far and has a goal of reaching 2,800 this year.
Quis for Life also plans to hold a gun violence awareness walk on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Wildwood Park.
Then on Sunday they will distribute supplies to people who are homeless.