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When I first started writing this blog, I wanted to capture a wide variety of topics that we encounter on a daily basis. Relationships, movies, music, employment, etc. Unfortunately, I've spent more time writing about violence in Rochester than any other topic. Not because I want to, but because I feel it's necessary to talk about the number one issue that plague's the Rochester community. To borrow a phase from Mrs. Maudine Brown-Long, Family Support Specialist for Families and Friends of Murdered Children and Victims of Violence (FFMCVV), "My God, It's Real!"
Once again, Rochester is grieving the loss of human life due the senseless violence that has taken over the city. Two 15 year-old young men were gunned down on the Eastside of the city. Once again, families and friends must prepare to say good-bye and bury their loved one. Once again, memorials containing candles, teddy bears and flowers are laid at the scene of the crime. Once again, the debate begins over who's at fault - parents, law enforcement, life-style choices, poverty, drugs, etc. Once again, a young life has been taken - this time two!
The question remains - What can we do to make our city safe?
I've spent a lot of time lately meeting with people on ways to improve the safety of our community. I have sensed a very high level of frustration (including my own) about how to address these issues, especially as it relates to the youth of Rochester. The Dean's List started to wonder if there was any way we could get into the minds of our youth and start to change their thought process or assist them to move beyond the hell they currently call "life". I experienced something last night that renewed my hope.
I was asked to speak at an event last night at the Eastman Theatre. The event was sponsored by Families and Friends of Murdered Children and Victims of Violence (FFMCVV) and the Democrat and Chronicle. One of the panelists was Will Yurman, photographer for the D&C. Will's amazing year long feature, "Not Forgotten" was addressed last night. A clip from the series was played that showed Norman Williams. Norman was killed in a drive by shooting on Jefferson Avenue. The gut-wrenching audio featured Norman's mother, Alpha Harris describing how she watched her son lay on the cold ground dying, while police wouldn't allow her to go to him. During this, there, in the front row of the auditorium, were six young women. They were all in their mid-teens. They were crying....I later found out that they were residents of Hillside Childrens Center and were attending with their group leaders.
We often feel we can't change things or make them better. I hear people say that it's too late to save youth with issues. We call them bad seeds, no good, lost causes. Even though I never gave up hope, I must admit I've often had those feelings too. Watching the tears in the eyes of these young women proved to me that there is hope.
Next up - "What can we do to change things?"
