New Orleans musician Shamarr Allen is using music to get guns off the streets, by offering kids trumpets in exchange for weapons.
In the latest episode of Steve on Watch, Allen tells host Steve Harvey he launched the gun exchange after watching a heartbreaking story on the local news.
“I turned on the TV and there was a 9-year-old who had gotten killed named Devante. I have a 9-year-old son whose name is Dante, so for me, it just hit me differently and it could easily have been my son,” Allen said. “I decided to see what I could do to be a part of the solution.”
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Allen used social media to spread the word about his “Trumpet Is My Weapon Gun Exchange Program.”
“I posted on Instagram: ‘To all the youth in New Orleans, bring me a gun and I’ll get you a trumpet, no questions asked,'” he explained.
He started a GoFundMe page to raise money for trumpets and music books, and set a goal of $6,500. He has exceeded that amount with a current total of $45,045.
You can watch the full interview with Allen this Tuesday, Dec. 22 on Facebook Watch series, Steve on Watch. In the meantime, check out this exclusive preview below.
