"We're doing this for the next generation," march organizer says
Jeremy Thompson, of the Onondaga Nation, and around 40 residents and supporters march down Route 11A highlighting the need to end violence and drug use in the Onondaga Nation.Onondaga Nation, NY -- A sign now sits at the entrance to the Onondaga Nation in Nedrow asking for all those who enter to "keep the area drug and violence free."
"We are sick of the of the drug dealing, the drug using and people coming out here and thinking they can do what ever they want," said Michelle Jacobs-Thomas, a member of the nation. "We have a lot of good people here and we have some people who are lost. We want our people to know that we are here to help them."
About 50 members of the Onondaga Nation marched from the entrance of the nation on West Conklin Avenue to the cookhouse on Hemlock Road. The marchers carried signs that read "no more drugs" and "take back our community." A tractor pulled a wagon of elders and children, and behind them a dozen cars followed showing their support.
"The turnout is breathtaking and it’s inspiring," said Sue Day, a member of the Onondaga Nation. "I feel optimistic that we will have more people join us after they see this. I feel the bigger our group gets, the stronger we will be."
Jacobs-Thomas and Day, who are sisters, have led an effort on the Onondaga Nation to raise awareness about the drug use and violence that is plaguing the community. The sisters and others started the Onondaga Eagle Watch group, a grassroots anti-drug organization to take back the Onondaga Nation community. Members of the Akwesasne Eagle Watch group joined the march on Tuesday.
Earlier this month a Syracuse man, Bayon T. Hunter, was charged with shooting another Syracuse man, Sean Turner, on the Onondaga Nation, in what police said was a dispute over cocaine. Jacobs-Thomas said the shooting was the final straw.
"We’re doing this for the next generation," Jacobs-Thomas said. "We’re very worried for our youth, it’s scary. The drugs are here and were trying to bring awareness to the community."
Jacobs-Thomas said the violence that has occurred on the nation has grown in the past five years and drugs and alcohol are at the root.
"From the drinking and driving deaths to the shootings, the violence has to stop," Jacobs-Thomas said. "We need to come together to fight this."
Day said there is not a night that goes by that she doesn’t hear gunshots.
"We want a peaceful community," Day said. "We want to take back our community and save our next generation."