Community Anti-Violence Gathering
Date: Fri, Jun. 12, 2009
On June 2, clergy and leaders gathered to announce the intention of this community to gather 1,000 strong on June 6, 2009 to ask for regional partnerships to address crime. Channels 26 and 8 were present. Spokespersons shared heartbreaking stories of lost sons due to shootings, rampant crime in Jefferson and Orleans parishes as well as the comprehensive intention to work together across all historic lines of division to decrease crime, increase safety, make health care affordable, provide affordable housing and education.
Rev. White, Greater King Solomon Baptist Church in Orleans Parish, reminded the crowd "We are people of faith. We are going to be here." Rev. Tanner of Community Missionary Baptist Church in Jefferson Parish told supporters that "there is a history of success in the Micah Project. Some of those examples included the Lymon Gym in Shewsberry. Through organizing efforts the gym has been restored, has air condtioning and lights. Children and families are now able to enjoy activities offered by the gym." Fr. Michael Jacques of St. Peter Claver Church said that, "for the sake of all citizens we can not afford to fail. We as a people have come so far post Katrina and have sacrificed too much to lose control of our safety to criminals and chaos." Rev. Donald Robinson of Marine and Mt. Moriah Baptist Church declared, "When innocent 15 and 16 year old teenagers are killed by stray bullets, it has gone too far. When toddlers, babies and the kids are in danger and lose their young lives at sleep-over's, it has gone beyond too far. All life is valuable and the good people of this area should not live in fear and be terrorized by the worst our city has to offer. The only way to hope for a better future is to act on making that future better."
I'll see you Saturday, June 6, 2009 at St. Mary of the Angels. 10:30 a.m. Sharp.
