Urban Cartographer Online Special Report
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Jesse Allen Park in the Central Ward of Newark on Avon and Strafford Place was packed on Saturday, October 16, 2004, around 10:45am and the reason, Enough Is Enough Coalition/ (POMY) Parents of Murdered Youth Support Group Memorial Tree Planting Ceremony for families members who have lost a loved one to Guns &Violence.
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Rev. Andre Speight of Jehovah Jireh opened up the ceremony with a prayer. Minister Thomas Ellis President & Founder of (EIEC) and Organizer of the event welcomed the many family members, Community leaders, Politicians, and the people who came out to as a show of support.
It was a bright sunny day in the City of Newark family members wore T-shirts of loved ones who have been murdered.
Some had on Stop the Killing Shirts, Enough Is Enough Coalition hats, and many others held signs (Stop The Killing Unity in the Community).
"History was being made on this day," said Min: Ellis to the crowd, "this day is for the the family members. Too many times I have attended funerals and they were digging a hole to bury the dead, but on this day we are digging a hole to plant a tree, to plant life, we know that this tree will be a living memorial, it gives off Oxygen, it represents life, not to mention Community, and will be a living memorial in the City. Eight months ago it was a vision today it's a reality," Ellis Said.
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Rev. David Nichol, whose brother was murdered, told the family members to keep the faith, and continue to trust in God. "It has not been easy for me but I have to speak out for my brother and continue to help other family members."
Kathy McCarey who son was killed this year had a poster asking if anyone has any information to contact the Police Department. Also there is a reward posted.
The Bradley family the young daughters of Gloria Bradley also attended the ceremony. Gloria was killed protecting her children when Gun shots rang out on Spruce Street..
Sharonda Lindsey and another family member was there for their family member Amir Wilkins who was shot and killed earlier this year on 18th Avenue.
Newark Central Ward Councilman Charles Bell was also there and gave the Family members some words of encouragement.
Councilmember at Large Bessie Walker spoke about how important this event was and she will always support the families who have been victimized by Guns and Violence.
Several of the family members read poetry. Darcelle Harris, Elaine Lee, and there was a rap song performed also Everald Williams a saxophone player with the (STK) Stop the Killing Production performed a solo "His Eye Is On the Sparrow," and he ended the ceremony with a rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" while everybody sang along.
Pam McCauley from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office came to lend her support,. as well as the People's Organization for Progress Anti Violence Committee Chair Big Dog Darrell G.
The Tree was donated by Landscape Supply in Belleville, NJ and the Organization really appreciates it.
The best part of the ceremony was to see the little children digging the hole, the children are the Sons, Daughters, Grandchildren, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, 5yr old, 7yr olds, 12 yr old, 25,yr old, 8yr old, all pitching in making history.
The President. T. Ellis stated that he personally would like to thank the City of Newark Mayor Sharpe James, Parks & Recreation and Neighborhood services, and also Integrity House for their overwhelming support, without it the event could not have been an overwhelming success.
Photographs provided by Charles Lane
Report by Minister Ellis
President & Founder
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