The 6300 and 6400 South Ellis Block Club, along with the Chicago Park District, the Mayor’s Office, Alderman Willie Cochran, The Woodlawn Organization (TWO), Cease-Fire, The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS), the University of Chicago, and the Harris Park Advisory Council (HPAC), will come together at a “STOP THE VIOLENCE-KEEP THE PEACE RALLY and COOKOUT” on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at 10AM. Cease-Fire will kick the rally off at 10:00 a.m. by marching from the Harriet M. Harris Park at 6200 S. Drexel to the Mamie Till-Mobley Playground at 6404 South Ellis. Children who attempt to play at the Mamie Till-Mobley playground are exposed to a continued generational street culture of crime. Sadly, just two weeks ago an argument erupted between two young men at the Mamie Till-Mobley playground and one of the young men was later murdered. A little over a year ago a mother watched as her three sons were being shot, thankfully not murdered. This epidemic of violence and especially gun violence has to stop and our children should be allowed to be children and enjoy the parks and recreational activities that are provided for them.
This event will be a great opportunity for the community to come together, listen, learn and most importantly, heal from some of the emotions felt by recent gun violence and the lives we have lost in our community. Special invited guest speakers include Mayor Daley, Congressman Bobby Rush, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, State Senator Kwame Raoul, State Representative Elga Jeffries, Alderman Willie Cochran, Chicacgo Park District’s CEO Tim Mitchell, Dr. Arthur M. Brazier, Dr. Leon Finney, Dr. Joseph Strickland and Attorney Lloyd Brooks. We invite everyone to be a part of this meaningful event. We will be taking a stand for our children and against violence, and for the betterment of our community. Attendees are encouraged to bring their grilles and dishes to the Mamie Till-Mobley Playground. Free food will be given away, and festive activities will be provided for all the children.
For more information, please call Phyllis at 312-952-8802 between the hours 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
