August 10th Week Wrap-Up
Date: Fri, Aug. 10, 2007
It's been a busy week.
Nakita Shavers, the life and violent death of whose brother Dinerralhas motivated so much of what SilenceIsViolence is doing, leaves
tomorrow morning to return to her education at Florida A&M University.
As of yesterday afternoon, Nakita can leave with a reasonable sense
of peace: Dinerral's murder has not fallen from the radar, as many
predicted would happen when charges against his alleged shooter were
dropped some weeks ago. Charges in the case were re-instated
yesterday, and alleged shooter David Bonds was arrested today.
Yesterday the District Attorney also announced the re-indictment of
Michael Anderson, alleged murderer of Arsenio Hunter, Warren Simeon,
Iruan Taylor, Marquis Hunter, and Reggie Dantzler. The recovery of New Orleans, as anyone who is watching knows, is
taking place almost entirely through the hands, hearts, and minds of
New Orleans citizens. We as citizens can take pride in the steps
toward actual criminal justice that we have witnessed in recent weeks.
Those of us who knew Dinerral as a friend or family will never
recover from his loss. But we can derive some degree of comfort from
the fact that his death has mobilized citizens to demand more from our
law enforcement and criminal justice systems. We began to see the
tangible results of these demands yesterday. The energies directed toward solving the murder cases of Dinerral
Shavers and Arsenio Hunter, Warren Simeon, Iruan Taylor, Marquis
Hunter, and Reggie Dantzler must not become exceptions. All New
Orleanians must remain engaged and vigilant. We must continue to
apply informed, targeted pressure. We expect to see the determination
and cooperation demonstrated this week by the DA's Violent Offenders
Unit and by the NOPD Homicide Division set a new standard for all
violent criminal cases in Orleans Parish. Meanwhile, beyond our court-watching activities, SilenceIsViolence has
just completed a successful run of Youth Music Clinics, hosted a
second "Speak Up" Showcase for our high school partners, and enjoyed a
wonderful City Walk and Farewell Nakita dinner last night. We will be
taking a summer break from our programs for the next couple of weeks.
Be safe, and we will write again in two weeks.
Ken and Baty
