The Rev. Al Sharpton is organizing a community summit to address black on black violence after Harlem was rocked by a series of shootings over Memorial Day weekend. Over the holiday weekend, four gun battles broke out in a 3 hour period wounding 10 people. A 15 year male was shot dead after a house party. "Shootings and violence within our community by one of our own is an outrage and an issue that we must confront as diligently and as passionately as a sensational case of police misconduct or brutality." The " Summit on Violence" will be held within the month and will include community leaders, young people, law enforcement, clergy, businessmen and elected officials. The goal of the summit is to address three critical areas: improving relationships between the police and black community, better dialogue with black youth, and new JOBS.
On Sunday,Thousands of blacks, in particular black males, took to the streets of St. Louis during an unity march. An estimated 50,000 people sick and tired of black on black violence marched through a historically black neighborhood. The march is apart of an anti violence campaign, "A Call To Oneness," organized by black clergy, businessmen and community leaders along with civic, public and private institutions. "When you are one of the cities which leads the nation in homicides, you don't have many options in terms of thinking about doing something," said the event coordinator, the Rev. Freddy James Clark. "When we march through north St. Louis, we hope to create a moral climate. We hope to reclaim, through the vehicle of reconciliation, respect for the other and sanctity of life."
"We've only just begun to live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way
Before the rising sun we fly
So many roads to choose
We start our walking and learn to run
Sharing horizons that are new to us
Watching the signs along the way
Talking it over just the two of us
Working together day to day
Together And when the evening comes we smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
And yes we've just begun
Sharing horizons that are new to us
Watching the signs along the way
Talking it over just the two of us
Working together day to day
Together And when the evening comes we smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
And yes we've just begun."
Curtis Mayfield "We've Only Just Begun"
