On Sunday, July 30 at John Robinson Town Square, more than 200 people signed pledges to stop the violence in the Green Valley community. According to Portia Clark, President of the Green Valley Civic Association, there have been a number of serious incidents in Green Valley recently including a report of a gun fired and a stabbing as well as a recent mob of 25 people fighting that led to a police response of more than 20 police vehicles. 

“So [the Stop the Violence] event was a way to help build relationships across the community and to get the community to pledge that they would not use weapons like guns to solve any disputes.” She says community partners worked with T.K. Harris and Javan “Blue” Harris, coordinators of the event, to make a difference in the community. 

The pledge:

“I love my community and want it to flourish, so:

I pledge to resolve conflicts without violence; and when a problem is bigger than I can handle, I am not “too cool” to ask for assistance.

I pledge to be a critical thinker and because it is my right to have the best life I can, I will have the courage to do the right thing always, even when it's not the most popular choice. I will be the example for my peers and encourage resolution without violence. And most importantly, I pledge to love and respect myself. I value my future more than pride or street cred. I know that gun violence leads to jail, death or disability so I owe it to myself to make sound decisions and hang around people who want the best for me.”

Stop the Violence Event Sunday, July 30 at Robinson Town Square