Sunday, September 4, 2011

RESIDENTS MAN UP TO MARCH IN BROCKTON AGAINST VIOLENCE



Residents from all over the city marched against violence starting at two different locations and ending up at Perkins Park for a rally and speech. Headed by Joey Gomes and John Williams, groups of people started to gather around 2 p.m. at South Jr. High School and Saint Edith Stein Church and led by police cruisers marched to Perkins Park to the shouts from a bull horn saying "What do the men need to do" and the crowd yelled "man up." What does Brockton need to do" and the people shouted " wake up."

Brockton has been plagued by violence and many in the group had loved ones lost to senseless acts of violence. Along with the crowd were included community leaders, clergy, City Councilor at Large Jass Stewart, Candidate for Councilor at Large Kate Archard and Mayoral candidate Ron Matta. "We need to stop this senseless violence and this is a start, I am glad that the people are standing up and getting involved." said Ron Matta. "We need to protect our kids and the residents of Brockton and put more police on the streets, I am very glad that I attended this today and any help I can give I will support these fine young men who are standing up against violence." 

Jass Stewart City Councilor at Large was in New York and said "I drove up just now to attend this and give my support."When the march ended at Perkins Park, Joey Gomes gave a powerful speech that had the crowd cheering and applauding. Demanding that the men must take care of the women and that we are all mentors to the children of Brockton."You might not like what I am going to say but I am going to say it anyways, If you came for the burgers that's fine but I want you to feel the pain that these deaths have brought upon these families." Calling upon a mother who lost here son to gun violence last October. She recalled her last words with him as he was saying good bye to her as he was being shot with bullets. The crowd joined in the tears with her as she spoke "that the violence just has to stop."

The crowd continue to listen to John Williams a community activist who ran for Councilor at large in 2009 who now heads a record label. He spoke to the crowd and motivated people to demand more of our officials and also to demand more of ourselves. The march brought a community of people together that is tired of the crime in Brockton and the march temporarily closed down Main Street for an hour and people were united, one people, one cause, one closer step to loving our brother. Kate
Archard candidate for Councilor at Large summed it up in one word "Unity."