Larry Gossett to Hold Black on Black Crime meeting on Thursday (4/5/12)

Larry Gossett
Councilmember, District 2
Metropolitan King County Council

March 26, 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

As you know, we are once again experiencing a significant rise in homicides primarily among African American youth and young adults in Seattle and the surrounding area. Many of you joined me in the formation of the Black-on-Black Crime Prevention Coalition back in 2007 to strategize on how to address the crisis at that time.

While many of you have moved on, are working with other organizations that have been doing this work for a long period of time, or are making individual efforts to address the current situation, I am asking you to join me on Thursday, April 5, 2012, at 7:00 P.M. at People’s Institutional Baptist Church, located at 159 24th Avenue (West side of 24th Avenue between E. Fir and E. Spruce Streets) for a meeting and action agenda designed to unify our efforts and contribute to the work being done by the Silent War Campaign, Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (SYVPI), Youth 180, Men of Color Support & Action Group, United Black Clergy of Washington State, social service agencies, and grassroots efforts by community members in our region. As we all know, government entities are not be able to effectively address the needs of our most disenfranchised youth and young adults. It is my strong belief that it will require us exiting our silos, checking our egos, and carrying out a comprehensive strategy to successfully address the devastating impact on our community of Black on Black crime.

As many leading psychologists say, when young people act out, what they’re really asking is: can the elders within the community contain my fear, rage, hopelessness, and anxiety? I believe we can make significant strides towards creating a more safe community.

Please join me at:

People’s Institutional Baptist Church
Thursday, April 5, 2012 @ 7:00 P.M.
159 24th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122

Please RSVP to my legislative aide Larry Evans by phone or email at (206) 296-0396, or larry.evans@kingcounty.gov.

The answer to the violence, despair, and hopelessness in our community lies within our collective unity and actions.

Sincerely,

Larry Gossett, Chair
Metropolitan King County Council
District Two

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