During a violent month in which two Rock Hill teenagers were shot to death and three wound up behind bars charged with murder, Kisha Lockhart decided to design a flyer — “Unlock the Door to Your Future” — to motivate families to act. It includes organizations where teens and adults can find help and further their education.
Lockhart and her five children have been going door-to-door in area neighborhoods handing out the flyers. Now she's looking for someone to help print more so she can continue trying to make a difference one house at a time.
Lockhart, who works at a child care facility and attends York Technical College, talked with The Herald:
What made you decide to act?
When all these killings were going on, I said, ‘What can I do to help or deter this violence?' I thought since they were teens, maybe they had some time on their hands. Maybe they were drop-outs or maybe they finished high school and couldn't get a job. Maybe they didn't know there are options out there.
Why did you choose to print flyers?
The word will travel fast by flyers. It's tangible, something you can understand and pass around. I printed 50. I've handed out 49.
What response have you gotten so far?
I've had good results. I didn't see any flyers on the ground or flying anywhere, so that's a good sign. We do things as a family, and I want to continue to show my children as well as others that there is more to do than crime and violence. We've bonded even more as a result.
Where do you hope this will lead?
I hope to get a response from others who can step up. And also someone who can help me make more copies of the flyer. We as a community need to focus on the positive things like church, school, being family oriented and associating yourself with people who will lift you up — not bring you down.
Where to go for help
Kisha Lockhart's flyer included a message and some helpful numbers for parents:
If you are dedicated and motivated and ready to take control of your life, here are some resources that can help:
ParentSmart: 803-981-1557
Rock Hill Schools' Adult Education: 803-981-1375
S.C. Employment Security Commission: 803-328-3881
York Technical College: 803-327-8000
Winthrop University: 803-323-2211
Department of Social Services: 803-909-7446
York County Access: 803-327-6694
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