Newark Residents Push Back Against Gun Violence, Find Solidarity At 2 Local Events

NEWARK, NJ — The pain caused by violent crime can divide a city – but it can also unite it.

Community members in Newark recently held two public gatherings to push back against violence and find comfort and solidarity with each other.

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BLOCK PARTY AGAINST VIOLENCE

Several local groups held a block party against gun violence on June 28 in the West Ward of the city. The event included food, music and community resources.

Bashir Muhammad Ptah Akinyele, a local activist and history teacher who has lost over 40 students to violence over his 30 years as classroom teacher, said the event was “unifying, peaceful and powerful.”

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Newark community activists, organizers, and anti-violence groups hosted a memorial service to remember Black and Brown lives lost due to violence on July 3.

The event – which took place on the 200-block of Bergen Street – included a balloon release, a special libation, and time for reflection and tributes to loved ones. Community activist Al Nisa Pharaoh, who works with the city’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, moderated the program to help families and the community navigate through the trauma of violence.

New Direction, Brick City Peace Collective, Newark United Assembly, Discover Self Academy, Circles of Hope, Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, Broken Wings Still Fly Mentorship, Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, and Fard United were present to assist with the memorial program.

• Related: Newark Saw Historic Drop In Murders Last Year, Officials Say

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