March targets violence
Published 12:02 am Tuesday, January 10, 2012
More than 100 marchers took their place in last year’s “Stop the Violence” march, designed to coincide with the national Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The marchers began their march at the historic Brown A.M.E. Church and made their way to the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where they held a non-violence rally. -- File photo
The Stop the Violence movement will roll through Selma Monday, Jan. 16 through the Safe Haven organization’s Peace March.
The march, which will be led by Safe Haven president Rev. Michael Bowen, will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who epitomized nonviolence when he personally led marchers through Selma.
Bowen said marchers will gather at noon on the steps of Brown’s Chapel Church and proceed to the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
“Several important speakers will deliver the moving themes of the march,” Bowen said. “These include Dr. Carolyn Johnson, author of ‘Who Killed My Son,’ and representatives of Stop the Violence of Birmingham and Stop the Violence of Montgomery.”
Past marches, Bowen said, have had a tremendous impact on the community.
“Previous marches organized by Safe Haven have brought out many dedicated youths and adults who have welcomed the opportunity to once again show their solidarity with the aims of Stop the Violence,” he said. “(Marchers) create a safe, secure environment for all on the streets of Selma in these uncertain times.”
Safe Haven is a program for parolees and drug offenders aimed at smoothing their re-entry to the community and as a means to prevent recidivism.
The center offers resources and referrals for those with an urgent need for drug dependency treatment, employment opportunities, family counseling and housing.
“Safe Haven believes that with the right environment, the right education and proper support, its clients are capable of making a real contribution to our community,” Bowen said.
