Black Men Must Lead the Way to End Violence
January 25th, 2009
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Re: “Father kills son, buries him in park, police say, ” Page 1, Jan. 4. |
| The murder of Ja’Shawn Powell and the other murders that have taken place since the beginning of the new year are more glaring examples of how badly the black community, and in particular black males, need to step up and accept the responsibility to reform our own community. |
| This does not mean that the desire of those outside of our community who would like to help in this effort would be rejected. However, it is extremely important that we as a community understand that the weight of the responsibility lies on us. |
| Until we do this, we as a community will never gain the respect of others and will only enforce false concepts many have about our community. Action must be taken now to prevent 2009 from becoming another year that ranks New Orleans at the very top of the most violent cities. |
| More jails and more arrests are not the answer. New Orleans leads the state in number of people incarcerated, yet the problem of violence still exists. It is time for the clergy, social clubs, community activists, civil rights groups and everyday citizens to come together for the sole purpose of helping to reduce this pattern of senseless violence. |
| I am ready, and the religious community I represent is willing to help. What about you? |
| Minister Willie Muhammad Mosque No. 46 Nation of Islam New Orleans |