Stand vs. gun violence
Writer organizes discussion at New School
Author Petra Lewis is among the New Yorkers who can’t simply watch and talk about the heart-breaking, community-shattering effects of gun violence.
In the wake of the shooting of attorney Carey Gabay and Labor Day weekend violence, there were several happenings last week — a prayer vigil and an emergency meeting by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and planning for a “Peace Over Violence March” that takes place on Thursday.
Lewis, who penned the ”The Sons and Daughters of Ham” trilogy addressing the gun violence problem, is holding a panel discussion Tuesday in Manhattan at the New School, to fight the scourge.
The “More Than Just a Protest Novel: Connecting the Dots - 1.5 Million Black (Wo)Men Missing” panel discussion — which will highlight the primary and many subsequent effects of gun violence — will be held at school's Lang Center Auditorium, 68 5th Ave #103 (at 13th St.), from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A diverse and expert individuals — Department of Investigation analyst Justyn; activist A.T. Green; Precedential Group founder Marlon Peterson; Street Resources founder Iesha Sekou; Rev. Alfonso Wyatt of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Church; Another Child Inc. founder Oresa Williams; and Mortal City podcast host Kathleen Horan — are panelists for the event.
The concept for Lewis' first novel, “The Sons and Daughters of Ham, Book I: A Requiem,” were inspired by acts of violence that hit close to home for her — including the death of family friends' teenage son.
The question “Why is it so easy for black and brown young men to kill each other - and where did this mindset come from?” is examined in the novels, which are set in East Flatbush, Brooklyn; Trinidad; Barbados; and other locations. For information on the panel discussion, send email to petra@petraelewis.com.
The “Peace Over Violence March” and prayer walk in Brooklyn on Sept 17, starting from Eastern Parkway and Kingston Ave at 6 p.m. For information on the march/vigil, contact Monica Abend at (212) 788-7081 or send email to mabend@council.nyc.gov.
Respecting the elders
The honorees of the “Salute to Yesterday's Children" awards event garnered decades of respect - the collection of elders selected this year range in age from 83 to 101!
Opening with an African drum procession, the invitation-only benefit affair will be held in Brooklyn on Sept. 20, featuring folk singing, storytelling and dance performances.
“I am so elated that once again we have an opportunity to celebrate our elders," said Glenda Cadogen of Mauby Media Services, organizer of the fifth annual event which will recognize Henrietta Stewart, 101 (Trinidad); Anna Walrond, 100 (Trinidad); Rosalind Mahalia October, 91 (Guyana); Elvira Eugene Alexander, 91 (Trinidad) and Cleopatra Harlow Peters, 90 (Trinidad).
Free by invitation, donations will be accepted to benefit senior citizens homes in the Caribbean. For information, call (917) 805-2815 or send email to triniscribe@aol.com