Murders in Newark, N.J., Spark Massive March and Rally, Including Government Officials
In the wake of 5 fatal shootings within two weeks in Newark, N.J., at least 1,000 citizens, community leaders, and government officials will rally and march to unite against violence.
Newark, N.J. (PRWEB) November 15, 2008 -- At least 1,000 Church leaders, community leaders, government officials, service providers and citizens will march for unity, peace, hope and help on Sunday, November 30 at 1 p.m.
Solidarity Sunday was born from the public outcry to churches, asking for help to heal the city of the violence that in the media recently has been compared to the wild, wild west. The voices of the people are asking for real and positive alternatives to crime and violence.
The march will start at 1 p.m. from four of the city's larger churches, New Hope Baptist, Metropolitan Baptist, Bethany Baptist and St. James AME. All citizens, regardless of religion, are encouraged to attend. Walking toward peace, street leaders and Bridge to Recovery participants from Newark's Integrity House, a substance abuse rehabilitation center, will lead the way down to Broad Street and end at Lincoln Park, where at 2 p.m. there will be a rally at which participants will be encouraged to wear solidarity arm bands so that police know they are part of the march.
Beyond the initial task of coming together on Solidarity Sunday, there is a plan for community engagement to create positive change. For example, employers who participate in the rally will be asked to consider offering jobs to qualified individuals who have a criminal record but who have completed rehabilitation. Each person referred would have a mentor and other support, possibly a parole or probation officer.
Also, agencies, service providers and shelters will be encouraged to determine how many individuals or clients need a mentor to facilitate training or help with other issues, such as transportation, legal issues, or housing.
A program will be established to bring truant youth back to school, signing them up with a mentor, as well as lead them to appropriate support services. Many gang leaders and members do not want violence and are willing to submit to urine testing and background checks in order to be part of "The Council," (gangs who use their influence to help others in peaceful ways).
Other goals include organizing a gun exchange program and a mentor program for reintegrating prison inmates back into the community by offering support with job search, mental health or substance abuse treatment, housing, legal issues, and family reintegration.
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