EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) — Community leaders and gun violence interrupters from across New York City held an annual anti-gun violence event Friday in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
It was a day filled with activities and camaraderie, but more importantly, the event served as a lifeline — connecting the community with essential resources from cure violence organizations. Antoine Hill and Jaleel Robinson say they are proof of how these organizations can help people reclaim their lives.
“We got programs to do therapy to help people with their anger management,” said Hill who is a part of the organization Stand Against Violence East Harlem. “They help you get a job. They teach you stuff. I feel like it’s really essential for a lot of kids my age to join because it could really be a good future for them and impact on their lives.”
The Gun Violence Awareness Community Call for Peace event comes one night after a teenage boy was shot at a prom party in Brooklyn and after two young girls were shot at a park in that same borough Monday night.
While police data shows that shooting incidents are down to 274 so far this year, compared to 325 at the same time last year, organizers say the recent gun violence in the city is senseless.
“Enough is enough,” said Omar Jackson of Getting Out and Staying Out. “One shooting is too many, so we’re here today to say that we’re denouncing gun violence. We no longer want any of us to go through that. We want to see our kids make it home at night.”
Nitty Greenlee, once burdened by a troubled past, has transformed his life. He now dedicates himself to the cure-violence organization Life Camp, Inc. He hopes to inspire the youth, showing them that overcoming their past is possible and within their reach.
“I’ve done it,” Greenlee said. “I’ve had my consequences. It didn’t help. It tore my family up. So, now that my family’s back in order, my life is back in order, I can give it back to them.”
Community leaders said that while the fight against gun violence is far from over, change is possible with unity and perseverance.
English (US) ·