How an OKC pastor’s experience with gun violence inspires him to mentor youth

Oklahoma City’s Mayor said violent crime is going down. Mayor David Holt credited law enforcement, youth initiatives, and diversion programs. One pastor said safe communities take work and unified support. 

Over the past decade, crimes against people and property declined by more than a third. Holt said on Facebook that compared to this time last year, OKC homicides fell 21%.

Rev. Derrick Scobey said those results come from hard work. 

“We’re very, very focused on it,” Scobey said. “Things don’t just happen.” 

Scobey and other faith leaders are working with the Oklahoma City Police to curb a recent surge in violent crimes involving young people. He helped launch OKC’s InBy10 campaign in July for parents to implement a 10 p.m. curfew for their children. 

“In order for us to have a great city, a great world, we’re going to have to make the difference in these young people,” Scobey said.

Scobey grew up in northeast OKC. He experienced violence when he was young. 

“Things could’ve gotten really, really bad for me," Scobey said. 

Scobey said in 1984, the owner of an Arcade he was at got upset and shot him in the leg. 

"I’ve experienced [violence], and my life could’ve been easily taken away,” Scobey said. 

Scobey survived a bullet, but he also survived poverty. 

“I grew up on welfare and food stamps,” he said.  

Scobey safe communities are built on a strong foundation of support. 

“We’re all on the same team,” Scobey said. “There are times when a person does need a hand up rather than a handout. It works if it’s done right.” 

When Scobey preaches on Sundays, he shares his story to help young adults relate to his personal experience. Crime may be on the decline, but Scobey says the work must continue. 

“Whatever success that I’ve had, it can happen in others' lives as well,” Scobey said. “I’m a living example that you shouldn’t give up on young people.” 

Scobey returned the favor by mentoring young people within his church. 

“I want to leave this community far better than I came into it,” Scobey said. 

Scobey said crime goes down when people show up for each other. 

“We have to pray like everything depends on God,” Scobey said. “We have to work like everything depends on us.”