The Peyton Anderson Foundation announces a public service campaign aimed at educating young people on the consequences of illegal gun possession.

Presented by the Peyton Anderson Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Georgia, Inc., the “Armed with Knowledge” video project depicts the story of Noah, a preteen youth facing life-altering decisions that lead to illegal firearm possession.  Throughout the video, Noah learns hard truths and irreversible consequences through personal points of view from the perpetrator, victim’s family and federal court system.

The Peyton Anderson Foundation worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Georgia, Inc. on the project’s development and is partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Georgia, Inc., the Bibb County School District and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office on distributing the educational video and accompanying facilitator guide for screening in schools and youth programs throughout Georgia. The video is suitable for middle school-aged viewers and older, although educators can choose to present the video to older elementary school-aged children, as deemed appropriate. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia will also implement “Armed with Knowledge” as part of its own Successful Tips for Youth on Law Enforcement Encounters (STYLE) youth outreach program.

The video was the brainchild of Peyton Anderson Foundation Trustee Marc Treadwell. Judge Treadwell is a United States District Judge, serving in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia since 2010. “Many defendants, particularly younger defendants, are completely unaware of the severe criminal penalties that can result from illegal possession of a gun,” said Judge Treadwell. “If our young people are fully informed, perhaps they will choose a different path – a path that will save them, their families and their communities from the consequences of illegal gun possession.” 

Filmed entirely in Central Georgia by Big Hair Productions, the video features local actors, as well as Judge Treadwell, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Federal Defenders of the Middle District of Georgia. It also features a powerful scene with Tonora Jones, the mother of Ta’Shuntis “Tootie” Roberts, who was lost to gun violence in 2015.

“Our hope is that this film will make a lasting impression on young viewers, and they will never forget that gun violence can cost them their lives, literally or through years in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “With this powerful video, the Peyton Anderson Foundation has provided educators, mentors, parents and community leaders a unique educational tool with the potential to reduce gun violence and gang activity. We owe it to our community to take full advantage of this opportunity by watching this film with the young people in our lives.”

The trailer of the video debuts August 5, 2020 via the Peyton Anderson Foundation and U.S. Attorney’s Office Facebook pages and directs viewers to the ArmedWithKnowledge.org website for additional information and the full-length video. Community youth organizations and school systems can request to use the video and its educational content from the ArmedWithKnowledge.org website. 

Christina Hunt, Executive Director, Federal Defenders of the Middle District of Georgia, Inc., is featured in the video, depicting a scene she comes across often in her legal role. “The overwhelming dream of our office is that this film will help young people, especially young men of color, to avoid mistakes that bring lifelong consequences. As a lawyer who has represented the indigent accused for over 35 years, I have seen the horrifying consequences that people of color and poor people face after making what many think are minor mistakes early on in life. I hope and desire that this film will empower youth to make better decisions to rebuild their communities which have been shattered by systemic racial injustice, destroyed nuclear families, and disenfranchised so many people,” she said. “Our belief is that by knowing the consequences early on, we will be able to rebuild a better place for all to live. We also want people to know that this Office stands to answer any questions any person may have on these matters and can answer those questions confidentially.”

The Bibb County School District will be showing the video to students this fall. “For too long, I have seen our students make bad decisions about guns. I hate seeing the consequences of those decisions and the hurt it causes; all because young children just don't know,” said Bibb County School Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones. “The ‘Armed with Knowledge’ partnership is just the right proactive actions we need to tell our youth and their parents - Don't Do It. Thank you for showing how an engaged community helps students develop and demonstrate the strength of character we want of them.” 

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office plans to utilize the video in its youth outreach programs. “ ‘Armed with Knowledge’ is a compelling video which will be an exceptional teaching tool which touches upon relevant issues that today’s youth are facing,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “The information a young person receives from this presentation will help them deal with peer pressure and making right choices. We at the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office look forward to adding this to our youth outreach options.”

“‘Armed with Knowledge’ is an impactful educational tool that, with outreach and guidance, can make a permanent imprint in the hearts and minds of young viewers, making them think twice when they, or someone they know, are faced with the decision to engage in a gang or other criminal activity,” said Karen Lambert, president of the Peyton Anderson Foundation.  

To watch the video and learn more, visit ArmedWithKnowledge.org.