HARLEM — Anti-violence organizations are demanding action on violence in uptown communities.
Hands That Make a Difference and Save Our Seeds, both Harlem-based anti-violence nonprofits, are leading a protest Friday afternoon to raise awareness about gang violence.
“Gang rivalries are going on right in our community, making it very difficult for the youth and their families to feel safe,” said Lisa Linnen, the executive director of Hands That Make A Difference.
“Teens having or obtaining access to guns," she continued. "We need more positive programs in our community where we can tap into their creative minds and attract their attention.”
The groups are planning a walk to begin at 2821 Frederick Douglass Blvd, on 150th Street, and ending at 133rd Street. The protest is slated to begin at 4:30 p.m. Friday and end around 8 p.m.
Organizers said the protest was inspired by the action taken by Democratic members of Congress, who led a protest on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to demand gun violence legislation days after last month's Orlando shooting.
The shooting, which occurred at the gay night club Pulse, was the worst mass shooting in American history and left 49 dead and 53 wounded.
Darlene Lewis, a Harlem native, media personality and one of the leaders of Friday’s protest, is the cousin of U.S. Rep John Lewis, a legendary figure in the civil rights movement who led the sit-in in Congress.
“I will not give up on my stance on violence,” she said. “I hate hate.”
Lewis noted those close to her who lost their lives to gun violence, from cousins to brothers to childhood friends.
“Countless young men and women not being raised to cope with stress choose guns to handle beef,” she said.
“Let's stop the killing, the bullying. Let peace be still."
