Friday Declared Stop The Violence Day In Newark
NEWARK, N.J. (WCBS 880) - Peace activist Thomas Ellis says, just like Smokey the Bear used to say, only you can prevent forest fires.
WCBS 880's Levon Putney In Newark
Podcast
"That's what we're saying. Only you can stop the violence," said Ellis.
Ellis' Enough is Enough Coalition is teaming with other local anti-violence groups to get out their message and have Friday declared Stop the Violence Day in Newark.
"Enough is enough of the carjacking. Enough is enough of people being shot and killed," he said.
Ellis' group is trying to lead by example.
Right outside the Georgia King Village apartments, where there have been several shootings recently, coalition members picked up trash last week.
"That's the first step, you see, to stopping the violence," he said.
They're also giving kids something productive to do. The organization is also taking a group to Newark Bears Stadium to watch minor league baseball.
"You'd be surprised [by] the number of children who've never been there, who's never ever seen a real baseball game," he said. "We're going to make it possible for children to come out of these communities that are plagued by violence, where bullets are flying and people are being carjacked and ran over."
They're hoping this will open their eyes to the fun and peace they could have just across town.
