How will Gregory Jackson Inspire Ossining's Future

Today as hundreds filled the church to mourn the loss of Gregory Jackson, the focus was on Greg’s life, as well as his legacy.

Greg loved riding his skateboard. He was instrumental in the village creating the skate park at Snowden Park. At their next meeting, the Recreation Advisory Board will consider a proposal to name the skate park in his honor.

We are grateful to the Ossining Detective Division for their excellent police work. We hope that having the suspect in custody provides the family with some sense of closure.

The death of a young person is always tragic. We feel Gregory’s passing especially deeply because it was by violent means. The messages at today's funeral were about Gregory's life, and also about what the community will do to prevent the death of another young person from violence.

As we honor the life of this young man who will never grow old, we are asking ourselves important and necessary questions. Are we ready to recognize every child of our community as being our responsibility? What more can each of us do to help a young person succeed in Ossining?

I can think of several programs to support—My Brother's Keeper being the newest one in Ossining. Now is a moment for reflection. I'm going to dig deeper, and keep asking myself questions, and recognize what more I can do—as a mayor, as a mother, as an Ossining resident who wants every young person in our community to lead their best life, and to grow old.