Last week, the Baptist Ministers Conference of Gary and Vicinity hosted a conference at the Gary Public Library focused on teaching young African-American males how to interact with local police and other levels of law enforcement. Presenters included Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter, State Representative Ragen Hatcher and Indiana State Trooper Terrance Weems. Following the workshops, the organization hosted a press conference sharing details about its “Peace Summer” initiative.
The Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Gary and Vicinity has enlisted the partnership of the Gary Community School Corporation to not only host events and activities but create a mindset of what a safe community should be.
“We have determined that nobody is going to save us, but us. We have to become engaged in how our community is viewed and how it will move forward,” said Dwight Gardner, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Gary.
Gardner added that real change only will come when residents embrace the humanity of others and interact through love instead of gun violence.
Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Gary and Vicinity President Pastor Dewan Bynum of the Christian Missionary Baptist Church announced that the organization would be hosting a Peace Rally at Froebel Park (15 & Madison) on Saturday, August 6th from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The entire community is invited. There will be guest speakers, music, food and fellowship with law enforcement.
Bynum also stated that their partnership with the Gary Schools will continue throughout the school year with their members assisting with safety activities in and around the schools and bus stops. A community poster campaign is also underway where signage is being erected in schools, businesses and local organizations throughout the city to draw attention to stopping the violence.
“We’re pushing love here. We’re pushing concern for the human condition where we live. We’re pushing compassion and respect for self and others here. And if we can get that point across, then the gun violence will go down,” said Gardner.
For more information about “Peace Summer” or to obtain a poster, call 219-883-2720.
