Put Down The Gun and Pick Up A Camera |

No one exemplifies the message of Beyond Bullets, DCTV’s anti-gun violence media campaign, better than Ronald Merritt. Ronald is only 23 years old but he has already lost 36 friends to gun violence, the most recent of which was killed on Sunday May 23rd 2010. A former drug dealer nicknamed “Du da Shooter,” Ronald always used to carry guns until he discovered a camera and now his camera is his gun. A subject of our documentary series and a filmmaker in his own right, Ronald’s story of transformation helped catapult the Beyond Bullets NYC 2010 Tour to success.

Ronald Merritt is 23 years old from South Jamaica, Queens. Ronald's father was in and out of jail on drug dealing charges throughout 16 years of Ronald's life. Growing up in the projects and witnessing only drug dealing and violence around him Ronald inadvertently followed that path in life. Ronald used to be a drug dealer and a gun carrier; he dropped out of school in 11th grade. He ran with a crew called the "Gun Squad" where he was nicknamed "Du da Shooter" because he was the person who always shot at people.

When Ronald was 16 his best friend Tyquan Jackson, 15, aka Cheese was stabbed and killed because of a senseless fight with a rival group. Losing his best friend made Ronald realize how close he himself was to death because of his lifestyle on the streets. Erica Ford, the founder of LIFE Camp, spoke at his friend's funeral about the organization she was starting to stop youth violence. At first, Ronald didn't believe in the message Erica was selling, but little by little Ronald started listening to Erica and eventually became a lifelong member of LIFE Camp. Erica put a camera in Ronald's hand and gave him access to editing equipment. Once he felt the power of carrying a camera he realized he didn't need a gun. From then on, Ronald became a passionate filmmaker using his new skills to make a successful career for himself—he created his own production company DU*U*TV. In addition to filming documentaries for LIFE Camp, he films and edits fiction film and music videos for several clients.

In January of 2009, Ronald’s close friend Lemarr Wilson and his mentor Andre Saunders were killed in a drive-by shooting with seemingly no motive right in front of Ronald's apartment at the South Jamaica Houses. Ronald was deeply moved by the losses, particularly since his mentor Andre had taught him much about filmmaking. This particular incident pushed him further towards turning his life around. Since then, he has worked devotedly with LIFE Camp on their Bury Da Beef campaign to stop gun violence among youth.

In addition to his production company and his volunteer work with LIFE Camp, Ronald is also working towards his GED. Ronald is well-known in his neighborhood for his past and his future. His friends are proud of him for changing his life for the better and Ronald constantly tries to show them that a better life is within their grasp.

In 2010 Beyond Bullets filmed Ronald about his involvement with LIFE Camp and discovered how truly inspirational his personal story is. Ronald became the star Emcee of the Beyond Bullets NYC Tour. Ronald’s story struck a cord with the students as many related to him and realized they could likewise find positive alternatives to the streets that would lead them to success. Ronald is very excited to be part of the Beyond Bullets campaign and feels more passionate than ever about stopping gun violence.