The Columbus Chapter of the National Action Network continues its campaign against violence this weekend.
From 4-8 p.m. Saturday at Propst Park the National Action Network will hold its third annual Stop the Violence and Promote the Peace Rally. The event will tackle serious issues in the community, but with a heavy dose of unity and fellowship.
A representative of the Columbus Police Department will be on hand to talk about gangs and violence in Columbus, and additional speakers will speak on the role of fathers and health awareness, said Sharon Lewis, president of the 58-member Columbus chapter.
Lewis stressed inclusion Thursday, saying everyone is invited. Children are invited to play in Propst”s water park. Skaters are invited to take advantage of the skate park. And music fans are invited to come listen to live performances by Christopher “Cash” Williams, the Fantastic Mississippi Nightingales and Minister Flood and the Praising Boyz.
The Stop the Violence and Promote the Peace rally is timely due to a pair of recent shooting deaths and other violent crimes, but Lewis says the rally is not a temporary reaction by the Columbus National Action Network, which was founded three years ago.
“This is what we”ve always done. We”re not doing it just because of a rash of violence. We”re trying to make a difference in our community,” she said.
A community task force was recently formed to address the violence and a youth summit was held at Lee Middle School to give middle school and high school students a voice. All three events were organized separately.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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