Annapolis leaders and residents protest gun violence

Nearly 100 community members and leaders marched silently on the sidewalks of west Annapolis Friday evening, aiming to take a strong stance against gun violence. Each step, Pastor Sheryl Menendez said, represented a single message: “We have had enough. »

The march pushed protesters more than a half-mile from the Annapolis Market on Forest Drive to the Bywater Mutual Homes, where three middle school students were shot and wounded earlier this month shortly after getting off of a bus.

The students have returned from the hospital and are recovering, police said, as investigators continue to search for four attackers.

Protesters held signs, asking to heal rather than hurt, and walked slowly, shoulder to shoulder, in rows of two.

Menendez, pastor of Light of the World Family Ministries in Glen Burnie, and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley held hands as they led the group through the city. Once they arrived in the neighborhood where the shooting took place, they were greeted by residents who recorded the lengthy recording on their phones and offered their own hopes for peace.

“We need to let our kids grow up,” Buckley said. “We have to let them grow old and we cannot tolerate that. We cannot accept this as a community.

As protesters gathered in the Bywater Boys and Girls Club parking lot, neighbors were asked to share responsibility for keeping the streets safe.

“It’s wonderful and I’m happy to see you,” Ratasha Harley, a 17-year-old Bywater resident, told the crowd. “But our children need us every day. Our families and community members need us every day. It’s not glamorous; It’s not pretty when you have to dig in and do this work, but it has to be done.

Referring to the findings of psychologist Abraham Maslow, Menendez said gun violence is the result of young people’s needs not being met — needs such as safety, health, trust and social mobility.

“It is our responsibility, all of us, no matter who you are, where you are, what your education is, we must come together to ensure that our young people achieve what is called “achievement of self “. ” she said, referring to a state in which someone’s personal potential is fully realized.

Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson told the crowd that the threat of violence prevents children from “thinking and dreaming the way they should be.”

“When people are desperate and don’t see themselves as part of Annapolis or the American dream, why would you want peace?” » asked Jackson. “And (how) could the police intervene in 15 minutes and restore peace for issues that are not criminal, they are social issues.”

Several officials joined Bywater residents and peaceful protesters Friday, including Ward 3 Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles, Ward 4 Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson, and District 6 School Board Member Joanna Bache Tobin.

Along with Buckley and Jackson, they emphasized the need for collaboration between communities and public entities. Several resources, including the Annapolis Government Mobile Wellness Bus and Addiction Services, served as the perimeter of Friday’s rally.

“We’re here to listen,” Buckley said. “The city is available.”

Many people took the opportunity to tell government officials that their children are not scary and that they are not hopeless – but that without a path forward, they may lose sight of what is important and safe.

In his work with young people, Kenneth Starkes has seen children who feel abandoned, young people who don’t see themselves having a chance. He heard them asking what’s the point, saying they won’t live past 19.

“Would you go to school if you thought you were going to die?” » Starkes asked. “They are confused. They can live beyond 19 years.

It was a difficult thing for him to hear from others. His own father told Starkes that his family didn’t think he would make it to adulthood. He will be 55 in October.