NATCHEZ — “Parents, do you know where your children are?”

That question was asked multiple times during a three-day radio series on WMIS/WTYJ 97.7 FM hosted by Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell, which concluded at 6 p.m. Friday evening.

Friday’s guests included Adams County Coroner. James Lee, and Jarita Frazier-King, a community activist and educator at Alcorn State University in Natchez.

The mayor held the radio series in response to violence in Natchez and Adams County that culminated in 14 murders in the past year.

Friday evening, Lee and Grennell discussed the need for our community to pray for and support those who are already grieving as a result of violence.

Lee said many people in the community feel grief, not just the families who’ve lost loved ones.

“I’ve been dealing with death and dying since I was 21 years old, and every case is just like the first,” Lee said. “It’s everyone in the community’s problem.”

Grennell repeatedly urged everyone in the Adams County community to join forces and work together to solve the crimes.

“If you’ve seen something, or you know something, you need to say something,” Grennell said, which echoed the slogan of an anti-bullying campaign in the Natchez-Adams County School District.

The “See Something, Say Something” slogan applies to everyone, not just students, when it comes to helping local law enforcement to prevent future crimes from occurring.

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said tips could be submitted to his office either in person by calling 601-442-2752 ext. 8371, or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.

Patten said locals also have the option to join an anonymous texting program, with which they can receive real-time responses and alerts, by downloading the AdamsCo Sheriff Tips411 app from either Google Play or the Apple Store.

During the bulk of Friday’s broadcast, Frazier and Grennell discussed the importance supervising children in the community and simply being a parent.

“As a mother having my child about to turn 18 years old, graduate and go to college, I’m a little nervous to let her go places nowadays,” Frazier said. “You have to be cautious and not only police your children, but their friends, too. … We need to help ourselves to the services we have here.”

Frazier also discussed educational programs and resources for students seeking tutoring or specialized training courses or for people seeking help with addiction or mental health crises.

Frazier said those seeking information about these programs could contact her directly at 601-807-1008 or by email to j.frazier@alcorn.edu.