By Channel Baez
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or in a perfect blissful world you really won’t be surprised when I say to you “Yes, violence and acts of violence occur everyday, everywhere and to any given person”.
Of course, there are some people and towns that are more susceptible to violent acts. For the diverse residents of our inner city neighborhoods of Boston, it has not been a good year.
The recent and much publicized murders in Mattapan were just the latest in a sudden spike in violent crimes in Boston this year as the city has had over 50 murders in 2010, which is more than a 32 percent increase from last year, and is also more than the number of murders recorded from January to September of 2008. For many, Boston’s murder rate is now in the panic zone with this latest case.
“I am the one who stormed into the police station and demanded to know what was being done about all the violence in our streets. I was so upset, I needed answers”, recalls Rip Hernández, who along with Adrian Rivera of Spontaneous Celebrations in Jamaica Plain have teamed up with some of the city’s youth and community organizations in an effort to raise awareness that violence is becoming an increasing problem and it’s time to take action.
“We need to take back the streets from these hoodlums who think that they can go around shooting up the city with no consequences. The police can only do so much, but the community also has to step up,” explained Hernández during his upcoming television appearance on Revista Hispana, WHDH-Channel 7’s public affairs show airing this Sunday.
As a first step the newly formed team has coordinated the First Annual “It’s OK Walk for Peace” which takes place this Sunday from 12pm-4pm, leaving St Mary of The Angels 377 Walnut Avenue in Roxbury.
Participating organizations include the YMCA of Greater Boston, Teen Empowerment, The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corp, Egleston Sq. Main Street, The Hyde Jackson Square Task Force and Mike’s Fitness gym in JP.
“We invite everyone to help us take a stand against the violence and to help us send a strong message that we are united and will work for a safer city”added Rivera.
Those interested in attending the First Annual It’s OK Walk For Peace may obtain further details by contacting Rip Hernandez at (857) 891-3460 or by visiting www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceJP.
