Community leaders and advocates aim to promote peace and foster mutual respect at an antiviolence rally from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 3, at the Flynn Campus Center.
The rally, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by MCC’s Student Government Association.
Featured speakers:
■ Lenzy Blake, president of Slater’s Raiders for Peace, a grassroots movement in honor of slain Rochester activist James Slater focused on reducing violence by increasing awareness and mentoring youths. Blake will explain how people can become proactive to curb violence and violent behaviors.
■ Members involved with Family and Friends of Murdered Children and Victims of Violence, which provides various support services. The group was founded by Audrey Smith after her son Ricky was murdered in 1990. Members will share stories about losing their loved ones.
■ Victor Saunders, director of Rochester’s Pathways to Peace, and other members who will discuss the culture of violence in Rochester and its effect on the community. The group is part of the city’s efforts to provide outreach services to at-risk youths.
■ Will Yurman, staff photographer at the Democrat and Chronicle, who will share his experiences as a journalist covering violence in the Rochester area.
■ The Rev. Deloris Simpson, pastor at First Genesis Baptist Church and a member of the Rochester Police Department’s Clergy Response Team. Simpson will discuss what mothers are going through and how they can reclaim their children’s youth.
■ MCC student Leonard Smith, who will read his poem “Hear Me Out.”
In addition to the rally, a display of shoes representing slain Rochester residents over the years will be in the Flynn Campus Center Atrium.
Simon Ruhindi
MCC Student Government Association
04/01/2009 |