Syracuse, NY -- About 40 clergy and community members, along with Mayor Stephanie Miner, gathered at Kirk Park this afternoon to send a call out to Syracuse to take a stand against violence in the city following Saturday’s shooting at the park during a Pop Warner football game. “There’s a 911 call going out to our community,” said Pastor...
View full sizeHelen Hudson, one of the co-founders of Mothers Against Gun Violence, speaks ata news conference at Kirk Park. Members of her group, local clergy and other community activists expressed their concerns after this weekend's shooting in the park during a Pop Warner football game. At far right is Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, who was one of the speakers. Syracuse, NY -- About 40 clergy and community members, along with Mayor Stephanie Miner, gathered at Kirk Park this afternoon to send a call out to Syracuse to take a stand against violence in the city following Saturday’s shooting at the park during a Pop Warner football game.
“There’s a 911 call going out to our community,” said Pastor Mark Harris, of Keys to Power Church. “When will we answer the call and step up to the plate?”
Harris and others gathered at the edge of the Kirk Park Colts football field on a cool, blustery day that would have been perfect for watching or playing football.
It was much like Saturday afternoon when shots rang out during half time in the game between Kirk Park and Sherman Park. No one was injured in the incident. Two guns were recovered. Syracuse police took a 15-year-old into custody, and are looking for a second suspect.
Police are normally on hand at the games, officials said.
“We are here to say this is not the norm, and it should not be the norm,” said Helen Hudson, president of Mothers Against Gun Violence/Trauma Response Team. The organization called today’s meeting.
The community has had enough, Hudson said, warning that these kinds of crimes will be prosecuted by police and the community.
People at the news conference talked about the need to mentor and reach young people before they become involved in crimes. But no concrete solutions were offered.
A meeting about mentoring youth will be held tonight at the Civic Center. The event is open to the public. The doors open at 6 p.m., with the program beginning at 7 p.m., said Gwendolyn Mack, executive director of the Mary Nelson Youth Center.
Even as the group called on Syracuse to act to halt the violence, bickering erupted.
“Why does it take this kind of stuff to get you all out here,” said Kirk Park Colts President Mark Hall. “I’ve never seen any of you out here.”
“I believe certain things need to be done,” he said after the meeting. “Until we change hearts, things will remain the same.”
One of the Colts coaches, William Sullivan, said the 600 to 700 children in the Colts need help Monday, Wednesday and Friday during practice, not just when a shooting takes place.
By allowing the violence to continue, “you’re telling kids it’s not all right to play here,” said Sullivan, whose son died Aug. 6, 2008 in violence. “I think we should be the ones to stand and fight.”