300 Real Good Men
Last night, July 11, 2014, was the annual demonstration against violence called the “300 Men March”. This is the second year since the inception of this movement and it is becoming a great effort to combat the crime that is plaguing the streets of Baltimore City. On the website www.300menmarch reads: "We march with the spirit of unity of all men regardless of race, religion, political views, nationality or background. We march to inspire men to take part in combating a growing culture of violence that targets our children. We march with our young sons, mentees, nephews, brothers, and grandsons to allow them to witness the power of the unity of men."
An emergency planning meeting was held at City Hall in January of this year because there were 16 recorded homicides in the first 12 days of 2014. At that point city council members knew that something had to be done. Those that are close to me or that I am connected to in some way, as well as my family, were personally affected by the violence in Baltimore city this year. On 1/3/14-Keon Carter, age 20, 5/3/2014- Larry Henderson, age 30, 6/1/14-Garmal Garrett, age 22 (cousin), 6/29/14-Cedric Stancil, Jr., age 18 all lost his lives to gun violence this year. To date, there have been approximately 104 homicides reported. In 2013, there were 235 reported homicides and we want to do all we can to ensure that the numbers this year do not meet or exceed previous statistics. I personally want to commend the organizers of the event, Councilmen Brandon Scott, Munir Bahar, Jahiti, Nick Mosby and others for having the vision and birthing it into existence. I also want to commend Ericka Bridgeford and all of the phemonemal women for effortlessly organizing the women and keeping everybody motivated throughout the entire event. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, who was also personally affected by the city’s gun violence in 2013, a representative from the Baltimore City Police Department, and other representatives, gave very heartfelt speeches prior to the march. It was very touching to witness the brotherhood as well as the community support that was shown during the entire 10 MILE journey!!!! There were even a group of men that had been fasting prior to the March and were determined not to eat or drink any substance until 8:34 pm. The determination filled the atmosphere and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. At the end of the march, there were tears of joy and a sense of motivation to continue to fight and bring a change to the community. Hats off to the men of Baltimore City!!!!! Your solidarity and discipline is greatly appreciated and you all should be commended for a job well done!!!!
*There is a slideshow and a video presentation on the next 2 pages that captures how the great men of Baltimore executed this wonderful event.
An emergency planning meeting was held at City Hall in January of this year because there were 16 recorded homicides in the first 12 days of 2014. At that point city council members knew that something had to be done. Those that are close to me or that I am connected to in some way, as well as my family, were personally affected by the violence in Baltimore city this year. On 1/3/14-Keon Carter, age 20, 5/3/2014- Larry Henderson, age 30, 6/1/14-Garmal Garrett, age 22 (cousin), 6/29/14-Cedric Stancil, Jr., age 18 all lost his lives to gun violence this year. To date, there have been approximately 104 homicides reported. In 2013, there were 235 reported homicides and we want to do all we can to ensure that the numbers this year do not meet or exceed previous statistics. I personally want to commend the organizers of the event, Councilmen Brandon Scott, Munir Bahar, Jahiti, Nick Mosby and others for having the vision and birthing it into existence. I also want to commend Ericka Bridgeford and all of the phemonemal women for effortlessly organizing the women and keeping everybody motivated throughout the entire event. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, who was also personally affected by the city’s gun violence in 2013, a representative from the Baltimore City Police Department, and other representatives, gave very heartfelt speeches prior to the march. It was very touching to witness the brotherhood as well as the community support that was shown during the entire 10 MILE journey!!!! There were even a group of men that had been fasting prior to the March and were determined not to eat or drink any substance until 8:34 pm. The determination filled the atmosphere and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. At the end of the march, there were tears of joy and a sense of motivation to continue to fight and bring a change to the community. Hats off to the men of Baltimore City!!!!! Your solidarity and discipline is greatly appreciated and you all should be commended for a job well done!!!!
*There is a slideshow and a video presentation on the next 2 pages that captures how the great men of Baltimore executed this wonderful event.