Does anyone remember Operation Ceasefire?
In 2007, eight city residents took training in various forms of outreach, conflict resolution and grief counseling, At their graduation ceremony, State Attorney General Ann Milgram praised them for "putting faith over fear" in the battle against gun violence. The community workers were the final piece in in the collaborative effort between law enforcement and city residents to turn the tide of shootings. See the entire November 2007 post here. Unfortunately, the group was later disbanded.
Gun violence has persisted, despite the best efforts of individuals and groups willing to take it on as a challenge. The New Yorker had an article in February about a priest in Chicago who has been working with his church and the larger community to stem the loss of lives to gun violence. It is a long article, but well worth reading. See "Father Mike" by Evan Osnos here (contains expletives). One tactic, which was also used here in Plainfield for a time, was to call out gang members by name to try to deter them. With the current array of weapons available, I would not suggest that tactic here.
The latest shootings in Plainfield will undoubtedly inspire another gathering of Norman Deen Muhammad's Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition. Somehow the reasons behind the violence must be uncovered and resolved in order to prevent more deaths and injuries.
--Bernice
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The P.A.V.C is a proactive organization. That continues to work and reach out to the community. Even after the gunshots have stopped. But until we can get some serious assistance and aid from those who are concerned with the issue of gun violence and killing in Plainfield. We shall do what we can with what we got. The solution is not one dimensional nor is the problem. Striving for peace,prosperity and progress for all. Norman Deen Muhammad P.A.V.C
ReplyDeleteguns are not the problem.
ReplyDeleteits the lack of respect and parental guidance that is the problem.
What a shame that with Churches and other Houses of Faith open for events this weekend so many will chose to sit at home and watch TV.
DeleteFamily values is where it begins, until you repair a sense of family, raising your children, sending them to be respectful students and work for a living and not collect from the system no amount of money or marches can fix it. You have to want to change and Plainfield does not
ReplyDeleteI agree it's the lack of parental guidance imparted on children during their formative years, however, I disagree that Plainfield does not want that change. There are a lot of good people in Plainfield. There is a very small minority of folks who have total disregard for their neighbors and community.
ReplyDeleteBabies, who do not know the first thing about raising a child, need to stop having babies which only serve to perpetuate the vicious cycle of poverty and crime.
When a child disobeys his/hers parents and suffer little to no repercussion and never realize the consequence of their actions what would be the deterrent for them to change their behavior and actions? There is none. Now they’re young adults and that same mentality is starting to manifest itself in a more dangerous way. I agree with Anonymous 7:58, it has to start at home at an early age instilling in them a sense of self-worth and the value of life.
ReplyDeleteFar too often our black and Latino young adults that grow up in the inner-city without a strong family foundation or positive mentor(s) become easy prey for the gang life. Once involved the chances of turning their lives around is difficult at best. But we should never give up hope or the desire to assistance.
Sadly society in general has become immune to murder, it’s become commonplace. Far too often self-proclaim gang-bangers feel they have nothing to lose because they have no sense of value for their life or anyone else’s. Jail is just another place for them to go and congregate with their fellow gang members. I’m curious to know what kind of “assistance and aid” Norman is seeking, because I believe most of us that live here are concern and want to see Plainfield rid itself of the gangs and violence that plague us.
To bad the message of Malcolm X and Huey P Newton eludes them.
The kind of help that saves lives. N.D.M
DeleteFor example?
DeleteI also believe it is expectations. If you expect to do well, and have your children do well, you have a better outcome. I am struck by how Plainfield seems to be OK with so-so.
ReplyDelete