PRESS
STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Vivian Flowers, Program Coordinator
Center for Healing Hearts and Spirits
(501) 952-7169 / 372-3900
August
6, 2003 (Little Rock) – The Black on Black Crime Coalition
and its partners will hold a press conference at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday,
August 7th at the Haven of Rest Cemetery (7102 W. 12th) to announce
its long-term plan to reverse the epidemic of black on black crime,
and to call the City of Little Rock to action. The press conference
will include remarks from members of the Coalition, including Little
Rock Police Chief Lawrence Johnson.
So
far this year, 30 homicides have been committed in Little Rock,
47% of which were committed by blacks against blacks. Nationally,
homicide is the leading cause of death for black men ages 15-24,
and the second leading cause of death for black women of the same
age group. These and other startling statistics led a group of concerned
citizens from a diverse cross-section of Little Rock to assemble
and discuss the problem and possible solutions of black on black
crime. In January 2003, law enforcement officials, business leaders,
faith leaders, neighborhood groups, and youth groups created the
Black on Black Crime Coalition. Driven by its mission to increase
public awareness and reduce black on black crime in Little Rock,
the Coalition has developed a plan of action that includes an education/awareness
campaign and program initiatives with its partners, as well as collaborations
with existing organizations that serve citizens and institutions
directly and indirectly affected by black on black crime.
"Black on black crime is an epidemic that ultimately strikes
not only African American communities, but touches the entire city.
Therefore, the Coalition is reaching out to all groups, and institutions
in Little Rock and beyond in our mission to promote change, including
faith, corporate, and government institutions as well as all ages
and races," according to Coalition member Mike Steele.
In
its call to action, the Coalition is soliciting active involvement
through volunteerism and monetary contributions. Volunteers are
encouraged to participate through any of the following six Coalition
workgroups organized to implement the Coalition’s plan: faith
based, human services, media, neighborhood associations, political
action, and youth. Contributions can be made to the Coalition through
the Center for Healing Hearts and Spirits by calling (501)372-3900
or emailing black-on-black@sbcglobal.net., a project of the Women’s
Council on African American Affairs, Inc.
The
Center for Healing Hearts and Spirits is a project of the Women’s
Council on African American, Affairs, Inc. (WCAAA).
Center
for Healing Hearts and Spirits • Joyce
Raynor, Executive Director
2416 South Chester • Little Rock, Arkansas 72206 USA
Phone (501) 372-3800 • Fax (501) 372-2150 • E-mail: hhscenter@sbcglobal.net |
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