Jim Crow didn't exist to perpetuate racism against black people; it existed to ensure white (western) civilization was perpetuated and protected from Africans in America. [Men and women pray for end to 'black on black' and 'police on black' violence: Small crowd gathered in Point Breeze urging conversation and healing, WTAE.com, June 26, 2018]
PITTSBURGH — A few dozen people gathered in Pittsburgh's Point Breeze neighborhood Tuesday night for a protest of a different sort. There was no screaming, yelling or blocking of traffic.
This group said they were there to protest the June 19 shooting death of Antwon Rose Jr. by an East Pittsburgh police officer but to also protest civilian gun violence that is occurring in many Pittsburgh communities.
Organizer- Autumn Perkins - said there has been a rash of deadly shootings
in Allegheny County recently.
in Allegheny County recently.
"Including Antwon, there's been 11 homicides in Allegheny County in the last two weeks," said Perkins.
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the small group spoke to each other, discussed solutions, talked about ways to heal and complained about the lack of resources for children in communities such as Homewood, East Liberty and McKeesport.
Takisha Doss, a McKeesport mother of three boys and a girl, said her children do not have adequate places and spaces to play. She said the community center closes around 7 p.m. on weeknights and is not open on weekends.
Doss said she is afraid one of her children could die while walking down the street, based on how much gun violence has erupted in the area.
"It has to stop. Somebody has to answer to this. And we got to answer to black on black crime and we have to answer to police on black crime. We have to get an answer," said Doss.
The group left the gathering with ideas for community involvement, better communication with children, and a push towards therapy for children with parents who were killed.
They said a brief prayer, released balloons and then gathered in the middle of the street hand in hand.
At one point, Rep. Ed Gainey urged the group to hug.
"Hug somebody. Hug somebody. Hug somebody. HUG somebody. Don't hug somebody you know. Don't hug somebody you know," said Gainey.
Two police officers were on hand and briefly blocked off the street.
But few cars seemed to be driving down this street anyway.
This group felt that either way, their voices were heard, and that their message will make a difference.
"I think that more non-black individuals need to be in these groups and learn about this community," said Maryam Khatami.