Church and Community Leaders Launch “21 Days of Peace”

In response to recent shootings that have left child victims in their wake, volunteers are posted at North Minneapolis hot spots to offer prayers and de-escalate volatile situations.

—

Feven Gerezgiher reports:
Following weeks of gun violence in North Minneapolis, Pastor Jalilia Brown with Shiloh Temple International Ministries stood out in the Merwin Liquors parking lot with a sign that read “Do you need a prayer?” 
When asked what people have wanted prayers for, she says most reply “safety and protection.”
Church and community leaders are “taking back the streets” with an initiative they call “21 days of peace.” This after recent shootings left two children dead and one in critical condition. Coordinator Jeremi Thomas said volunteers are posted at all the Northside hotspots. From 7 am to 1 am, he says they’re doing what police cannot.
“We’re just trying to change the atmosphere, so from prayer, just talking to get to know the people, trying to de-escalate anything that’s going on that could potentially turn into some harmful events,” says Thomas. “We’re just trying to be involved. And with us being involved, we feel like eventually the atmosphere would have to change.”
Thomas is from the Northside, where he has noticed things get worse over the last year. He says residents have been receptive.
Everyone wants hope. And I think if you’re dealing with people who don’t have hope, when they see people that do want change and do want better, it gives them hope even if it’s indirectly. Organizers are inviting people to contribute to the street presence, to bring hope into North Minneapolis and the city at large.

Subscribe to hear Daily Updates in your podcast feed

• 
  Potter Found Guilty in Death of Daunte WrightDecember 24, 2021
  After three days of deliberation a jury found former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter guilty of two counts of manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright. Feven Gerezgiher reports
• 
  Potter Jury Continues DeliberationsDecember 23, 2021
  As jury deliberation continues in the Kim Potter trial, many are evaluating the state of racial justice in Minnesota. We talk to former Hennepin County Chief Public Defender Mary Moriarty. Chioma Uwagwu reports
• 
  Kim Potters’ TearsDecember 22, 2021
  Kim Potter’s crying in court is more than an expression of remorse; it’s part of a history of white women weaponizing their tears against people of color. Tiffany Bui reports.
• 
  Jury Deliberations Underway in Potter TrialDecember 21, 2021
  The state’s prosecution and the defense made their closing arguments Monday. Georgia Fort reports.