(Coalition Tree colors are brown, black, yellow, white, and brown).
Donated Poem "Trigger Man Part 2; Put The Gun Down!"
(at bottom of page)
This movement originated in the black community in Chicago, IL in July of 2017, reaching out to churhes and the black community initially, and then to coalition partners as crime affects our nation everywhere. It was only fitting that the call for a national, spiritual protest originate in America's black community due to the increased numbers of violent crime occuring inour midst.
We are asking that all churches, schools, organizations, associations, recreational groups, e.g. bowling teams, softball and little league teams, tennis clubs, sewing clubs, etc. to submit a 1-3 minute video in a show of righteous indignation, condemnation, and protest against this unstoppable and unwavering senseless violent crimes laying seige to American communities.
You may use your creativity as you are inspired when creating your video; praise dancing ( ballet type dancing), singing, reading of the scriptures, short skits, etc. The persons committing these crimes have never awakened the next day to a nation unified in condemnation of violent crime. Yes, it has come down to this. I have submitted an explanatory video on this subject, which also contains three age groups interventions that we should consider as a matter of national orientations for all children and older youth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EauiurQuVm8 ( explanatory video link.
Donated video link # 1; https://youtu.be/POhBm1Gl19Q Lilly of The Valley Spiritual Church (1st violent crime denouncement video link for The National Coaltion Against Crime. Rev Ken Atwood allowed us the use of his church Friday evening 8-18-17 to discuss this issue of violence and other matters regarding the healing of black communities unders seige by guns.
Donated video Link # 2 ( will be ready soon) : Rev. Lester Williams, pastor of the New Promise Land Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago allowed us the use of his church Friday evening 8-11-17 to discuss the same issues, thus, we held meetings on both sides of town in Chicago's black communities.
Donated video link # 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9gR37cAWqE
Hermon Baptist Church, Chicago, IL. Rev. Keith Edwards, pastor.
Donated video link #4: Jubilee Dance Studio
https://www.jubileedance.org/videos, Bronx, N.Y.
Donated website link # 5: pilgrimbaptistchurch.org
Pilgrim Baptist Church, Minneapolis,Mn. The pastor was very open to the idea of amassing videos as a spiritual-moral answer to continuing violent crime in American cities. Will ask him to update his video donation, as the church has a praise dance worship group.
Donated video link # 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p_MCcmFBlI Donated by "Lifeline To Success". Memphis, Tenn.
Donated video link #7:
Pleasant Green Baptist Church, http://www.pleasantchurch.org/sermons/a-recipe-for-the-remedy-for-blindness/ Kansas City, Missouri
Donated video link #8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT7UrHgXIjM: pace e bene, Covalis,Oregon ( "Blessed Are The Peacemakers").
Donated video link # 9; https://www.pilgrim-rest-baptist-church.org/; Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN.
( Excellent Praise Worship video)
Donated Video #10: Philly Artists Against Violence , " The Gun Tear Challenge video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6OxZNXDbXo, Philladelphia, Pa.
Donated Video # 11: Trade School Video; Dudley Beauty College, Chicago, IL.
Affiliated with Dudley Brand hair care, cosmetics, and personal care products. Dudley Brand is black owned and also is a manufacturer of products they sell. You may order their products online at : dudleyq.com and/or call. 773 488 5900. The great lady in the video is Betty Clawson.
Donated video # 12; Central Church Of Christ, Minneapolis, Mn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Aw8m4-6zjg
Donated video #13; Christian Love Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, IL. https://www.facebook.com/256677145012/videos/vb.256677145012/637828564609/?type=2&theater
Donated video #14: 2nd Call, Los Angeles, Ca.
Donated video #15: Futures Without Violence, San Francisco, Ca. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UZ2dbi0fkA
Donated Video #16 Iglesia Bethel, Chicago, IL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOyaNWRBeHI
Donated Video, # 17 Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, IL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVFQu-r5Tmw
#18 Annual Community Event, North Lawndale, West Side, Chicago, IL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc8FOD_mbRM
Donated Poem
Trigger Man Part 11; Put The Gun Down!, is a donated poem for our cause.
Trigger Man Part 2; Put The Gun Down!
Lenny's memory clear and vivid
His problem not an all and all
Financial woes pressed to the limit
Seemed no answers, nor resolve
Cash was needed, here and now
T'would bring an end to this dilemma
Borrow, pawn, would not bestow
Nor in sight was one benevolent ( meaning giving)
"Who has cash", the thought occurred
Grocer, business, people banking?
The means was gun and threatening word
Decided mark would be a taxi ( mark meaning victim)
Would pay the bills and some to spare
Surplus would buy shoes for children
Wife would fancy nails and hair
She need not know how came the money
Stickup planned for early morning
Driver having lion's share
From night before with hustle/charming
Would pad sweet tips along with fares
A cigarette and shot of gin
Calmed his senses, steeled his nerves
Gat ( gun) in waste, eyes now transfixed
On taxi slowing next to curve
A lightning bolt and thunder clap
Made Lenny trip a step and then
Before he knew, was on his back
Head hit a stone, and then was spinning
He was not sure if he was conscious
Were these faces just a dream?
For each face had familiar voice
At first were shouts, then came screams
He knew these faces long ago
Boyhood chums (friends) now since long past
Who'd met their fates too young to know
Gun crimes would make that day their last
Rising now, immersed in sweat
Thinking this a revelation
His heart reversed within his chest
He would not carry out this mission
Now back home across the street
A long time staring up at window
Where his family ate and slept
Oh how relieved he was not stupid!
Suddenly he sensed a feeling
Only known to those long gone
Contented warmth of one belonging
Coupled with, “no place like home"
Dinner warm inside the oven
Wife arose to " private room"
Then placed his hand upon her stomach
" What be it's name, Junior-June?"
"A letter came for you today"
Len showed no interest, just a shirk
" You'd better read", her words prophetic
The letter read, " Return To Work"
Gazing at his children sleeping
Sky tint orange with the dawn
"Could any man sow such a reaping!"
Their sleep was sweet, wife in his arms.
End
Written July, 2008; slightly edited 6/11/12
Kelsie Wicks
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