Prince George's County Residents Will March to End Violence

A Stop the Violence March and forum is planned for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 18, 2016, in Prince George’s County.

The event is organized by the Global Developmental Services for Youth, Inc. and leaders from Prince George’s County.

The march will celebrate the life, accomplishments, and dreams of one of slain civil right leader Martin Luther King Jr., and is expected to draw over 10,000 participants, according to a news release.

“The march intends to send a strong message that we want the violence to stop in Prince George’s County,” said Seat Pleasant Mayor Eugene W. Grant, who will lead the march. “We are pleased with the overwhelming support of our message and with those who have decided to join the march.”

According to the Global Developmental Services for Youth, Inc., Prince George’s County is the home of the most affluent and intellectual blacks per capita in the country. Overall crime has reduced by 17 percent, but violent crime has gone up. In 2014, there were 54 homicides. This year has seen 63.

The Stop The Violence March is the beginning of a yearlong campaign to raise awareness about all forms of violence, promote sustainable prevention programs, and advertise successful intervention services for county residents.

The march has a three-pronged approach: to enlighten, educate and empower. The march is designed to enlighten residents about the issues and impacts of violence through the March. The forum seeks to educate the public on ways to identify violent tendencies and resources that may help them. The yearlong campaign hopes to empower the people through a series of workshops, seminars and classes.

Those supporting the march include the Prince George’s County Council, Prince George’s County Public Safety Agencies, Prince George’s County Democratic Committee, the Prince George’s Chapter of the NAACP, the Prince George’s Chapter of SCLC, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Collective Empowerment Group, and many others.