Strike Against Crime: Social and Pleasure Clubs for Peace
Date: Tue, Jan. 06, 2009
January 5, 2009
The murder of two-year old Ja'Shawn Powell at the hand of his own
father last weekend shocked New Orleans. Even a city racked by
violence and held hostage by crime could not stomach such a violation
of the most basic human responsibility: to protect our children.
Ja'Shawn's father is clearly a singularly disturbed individual. But
his action did not occur in a vacuum: Taking another's life, the
action we should avoid at all costs, has instead become a deliberate
means of solving problems in this city. If someone insults you, takes
something from you, or disrespects your family, in too many cases, the
perceived solution has become violence against that person.
But violence is not a solution. Violence only fuels more violence, a
truth we are watching play out in our streets and neighborhoods.
This Friday, January 9, SilenceIsViolence has called for a Strike
Against Crime. This strike is about expressing our collective
distress and disgust over the violence in our city—and about searching
within our communities for real solutions. Citizens throughout New
Orleans will wear red on Friday to signal our solidarity in the face
of this seemingly endless problem. Many will volunteer in local parks
or playgrounds; pledge contributions to community-led public safety
efforts; or share their artistic or athletic talents in a public and
nurturing way.
One group will use Friday as a day to comment upon—and
mourn—Ja'Shawn's murder in particular. Members of the city's social
aid and pleasure clubs, coordinated through the Social Aid and
Pleasure Club Task Force, will hold a vigil at the spot where
Ja'Shawn's body was found. These club members will gather at the
intersection of Jackson and Danneel streets after 6pm. For those of
you seeking an action of peace this Friday, we invite you to join the
Social Aid and Pleasure Club Task Force in their vigil, and in their
pledge to work toward peace within our families and communities.
For more information about Friday's vigil for Ja'Shawn, contact Tamara
Jackson at 453-1155 or tamara_walker_2000@yahoo.com.
www.silenceisviolence.org
