Unity Walk a chance to take stand on gun violence
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” — Edmund Burke.
Memphis is in a crisis.
Gun violence has become socially acceptable and criminals are responding accordingly. The question is, “What will we do the curb this crisis?”
With each act of gun violence, the next perpetrator is becoming more apt to commit his crime. As long as law abiding citizens remain silent, that behavior is normalized. It seems as if many have taken the position that if it isn't affecting my family or loved ones, I have nothing to say.
Maybe some have taken the position that the problem is just too big and there is nothing that they can do. I challenge that notion because it is terribly incorrect.
Behavior that goes unchecked becomes normal
When gun violence happens and the community remains silent, it is almost guaranteed that it will happen again. People must know that some behavior isn't proper and won't be tolerated. It has to come from the community, not from politicians or authority figures. The common man has to say, “This will not be tolerated in our neighborhood”. That stance makes that individual a part of the solution. We can no longer sit idly by and watch our fellow citizens get gunned down in the streets.
The Unity Walk Against Gun Violence is an opportunity for the common man to take a public stand, in concert with other like-minded citizens, to let those that would commit crimes of violence know that the community is watching and that behavior is no longer acceptable. While that may seem simple, it isn't. There is power in numbers and criminals don't like witnesses.
As one who has walked on “the other side of the law”, I know the power of the community standing up. Unity in a community is intimidating. When the neighbors would come together, we knew our time was up.
Let us not waste this moment
Too much blood has been spilled in our city. Too many lives have been lost. Too many candlelight vigils have been held. It's time for us to take our city back!
Join us for the Unity Walk Against Gun Violence on Saturday, Nov. 14 beginning at 10 a.m. The walk begins and ends at the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center parking lot, 637 Poplar Avenue, with ample parking available.
Please arrive by around 9:30 a.m. to assemble. Due to COVID protocols masks and social distancing will be required.
If you need to contact me, call our office number, 901-729-6537.
Pastor Deandre Brown is executive director of Lifeline to Success, which works with ex-offenders to help them become productive members of the community.