Recent rash of violence inspires group to seek change
WARREN — The spike of violence in the city over the past 10 days has not been the result of gangs or even the opioid epidemic, but isolated incidents among people who, for the most part, knew each other, according to Mayor Doug Franklin.
“These were people who had a relationship of one kind or another,” Franklin said. “It does not make it any easier or make it right.”
Franklin, along with community leaders such as pastors Todd Johnson and Vince Peterson and Warren Schools Superintendent Steve Chiaro, and approximately 70 others, met Tuesday evening to talk about ways to move forward and bring people together.
The multiple shootings and one stabbing have community leaders and residents working together to address the wave of violence.
Johnson, pastor of Second Baptist Church, 1510 Main Ave. SW, who called the meeting, said the group of primarily black men met in response to these events but are not limiting themselves to these events.
“We needed to come together as black men for a long time,” Johnson said. “We want tangible efforts to move our community forward that support existing programs and fill voids that may exist. We want healthy environments and to promote safe neighborhoods.”
Johnson said the group, which does not yet have an official name, is made up of a diverse community of people and organizations. The attendees have decided not to announce any specific plans or goals.
However, Johnson said the shooting at the Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority Highland Terrace basketball court and future playground site will not deter the progress they have made. The playground is set to open July 28.
“There has been a great positive vibe (about the basketball court and playground),” he said. “We are not going to allow this to slow us down.”
Vince Peterson, a pastor and probation officer, said this is not the first time various groups have come together after violent incidents.
“Members of the Ministerial Alliance have, in the past, reached out to those we believed may have been involved in incidents,” Peterson said. “Even if we could not always solve them, then we could defuse anything from escalating.”
Peterson said they want a visible group of people in the community to bring together ideas and consolidate efforts.
“This is not about any one organization,” he said. “I am 53 years old. I may not be able to reach some that others may be able to reach. The goal is to save our children.”
Franklin said that overall crime statistics in the city have been down up to this point.
“Even with this spike in shootings, these incidents have brought our numbers to average to what we have seen in previous years,” he said.
Franklin said it is best for witnesses and survivors of the shootings to be cooperative with police during their investigations.
Chiaro, who attended the meeting with Warren Board of Education President William Faulkner, said members of the school district should be involved.
“These are our kids,” Chiaro said. “Some may have attended our schools and are graduates. These types of incidents affect kids that are still in our buildings. We want them to feel safe in our buildings and in their communities.”
rsmith@tribtoday.com
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