MEDIA

 

 

HARAMBEE RADIO

ROOT'S

SECOND ANNUAL

FATHER'S DAY COMMEMORATION WEEKEND:

HUGE SUCCESS

A “Moratorium on Murder” for the District of Columbia was declared by ROOT’s founder and CEO, Kenneth E. Barnes, Sr., MS, for the Father’s Day Weekend Commemoration held June 17 through June 20.  

During this time frame there were no homicides within the city limits of Washington , DC .  

From City Councilmember Jim Graham, Ward 1:

"I'm happy our city did not experience any murders during Father's day weekend, and I'm happy for ROOT and Mr. Kenny Barnes, Sr."  said Councilmember Graham.  "We must address the root cause of  violence with sustainable substance abuse, and meaningful youth programs  in our city," he concluded.

ROOT claims the father’s day weekend to be a success because a diverse collaboration of community members consisting of religious leaders, public officials, celebrities, citizens both young and old,  and numerous organizations rallied together for a common cause - to remember homicide victims, honor their families, and to declare a moratorium on murder. 

The weekend opened with a press conference on June 17 at the National Press Club.  The venue was teeming with individuals in support of ROOT’s initiative – stopping the violence. All gathered in support to to bring attention to the plight of all homicide victims, not just the ones that have been sensationalized by the media, for every victim is equally important; and, honor every family member and friend who has had to endure the loss of a loved one so tragically removed.  Keynote speakers at the press conference included Mr. Barnes; Marita Michael, mother of Devin Fowlkes (murdered this past fall at Anacostia High School); Rev. Lennox Yearwood, National Grassroots Director of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network; Washington, DC Metropolitan Chief of Police, Charles Ramsey;   Ernest Thomas, acclaimed actor; Ted Loza, ROOT Vice Chair and Director of Latino Affairs for Councilmember Jim Graham; and EZ Street, on air personality for WPGC FM Radio 95.5.    The press conference also announced ROOT’s launching of the “Guns Aside” Campaign, the first initiative geared specifically towards gun intervention in the inner city.

 The “Guns Aside” Campaign is a comprehensive mass media campaign that fulfills that advocacy and awareness aspect of ROOT’s mission.  Mr. Barnes states, “We all know by now the havoc that is brought upon our community and the lives lost because of guns.  Our campaign is not a political one for we are not entering the debate about the right to bear arms.  We are stating that death by gunfire is the number one killer of our youth today, and we need to put the GUNS ASIDE."  Images of the Guns Aside campaign can be viewed as a flash introduction on ROOT’s website, www.rootinc.org, and more details will be forthcoming.

 

Speakers at ROOT's press conference from left, Marita Michael, Reverend Lennox Yearwood, Chief Charles Ramsey, Ernest Thomas, Mr. Barnes, and Ted Loza.

 

Left, Chief Ramsey receives a "Guns Aside" T-shirt from Gary Bellamy, and Mr. Barnes. 

 

From 8:30 am to 1 pm on Friday June 18, concerned individuals and organizations took time to attend the open space event titled The Current Dynamics of Violence and Homicide in Washington, DC. This seminar was an attempt to find answers to what is wrong within our city and our communities.  The event was facilitated by Dr. John L. Johnson.  The seminar was held at the University of the District of Columbia as a result of the wonderful assistance given by Dr. Gloria Wyche-Moore, and with the support of Dr. William Pollard, president of the University of the District of Columbia.   

The open space event experience can be summarized by its four principles and one law:

Whoever comes are the right people.

Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.

Whenever it starts is the right time.

When it’s over, it’s over.

The Law of Mobility:

“…if at any time during the course of this gathering, you find yourself in a place where you are neither learning or contributing, use your two feet to go to a more productive place.” 

Owen, H. (1977) Open Space Technology: A User’s Guide. 2^nd ed. Sanfrancisco: Barret-Kholer

Often times we are sublime to the culture of violence we live in, which caters to an apathetic mindset that ROOT is so fervently trying to defeat.  The following quote taken from A Pastoral Message of the U. S. Catholic Bishops titled “Confronting a Culture of Violence: A Catholic Framework for Action,” eloquently states the idea of why our culture of violence needs to be confronted. 

Not all violence is deadly.  It begins with anger, intolerance, impatience, unfair judgments, and aggression.  It is often reflected in our language, our entertainment, our driving, our competitive behavior, and the way we treat our environment.  These acts and attitudes are not the same as abusive behavior or physical attacks, but they create a climate where violence prospers and peace suffers.  We are also experience the polarization of public life and militarization of politics with increase reliance on “attack” ads, “war” rooms and intense partisan combat in place of the search for common good and common ground.

 

The open space seminar came up with a number of answers as well as offering solutions.   Youth, when given the opportunity, are productive and insightful; at the seminar, we had three of Hart Jr. High school students who are considered “at risk” facilitate a break-out group that consisted entirely of adults.  Not only did the youth conduct themselves admirably, the results of their break-out group were very compelling.  What was accomplished in the open space event will be available for review shortly, but out of that circle of concerned individuals emerged the beginning of something marvelous and miraculous in the making.  There will be more open space events and other activities related to this event, but nothing can express the spirit of achievement and accomplishment that occurred that day better than the following statements. 

   “I was so thrilled and see that there were young people here too and we sit around and think we can find solutions for our youth and the boys spoke so eloquently as there were affected by those experiences and how much youth have to offer and it was a really wonderful experience.”

 “I have a real appreciation to make connections with others of you that care about this and meeting other organizations and learning of other organizations I did not know existed.”

 “Glad to come here and be able to share my voice and my thoughts.” (Youth from Hart Jr. High School )

 “I want to see these young people doing positive things and we are the key to that happening.”

 “The spirit that this circle brings about is wonderful and we are brothers in the struggle for the sake of our own people.” 

 “Thank you Mr. Barnes what he has done in the past few years has been phenomenal it s almost taboo to do deal with it and I thank you for the pain I am feeling right now because now that heartache can push us all to affect change.   Thank you for the gift of awareness that you are giving to us and this city.”

 “Glad to be able to meet other people, I don’t feel alone in this struggle.”

 “Like to thank everyone here because its encouraging to be with a group of people that are concerned about the same group of people I am concerned about” 

 “What affects me will affect you, we have to be about the brotherhood of man.”

 “Looks like the United Nations.”

 “Knowing that solutions have come from not where I preconceived them to.”

 “This circle has been so full of love and healing.  It takes one person to plant that thought.” 

 “We are going to turn things around because we have the capacity to do so.”  

 

Youth from Charles Hart Middle School facilitate group during open space event at UDC. 

 

Ava Harrison types notes as Margaret Ward  and Dr. John L. Johnson look on. 

 

What goes unreported and unnoticed by the media, and the public in general, is the positive aspect that  over 700 of our youth gathered together for a harmonious occasion without a single incidence of violence.   ROOT and its various partnering organizations accomplished that feat with assistance from Terry Watkins at the DC Tunnel, Ronald Moten and Jauhar Abraham from the National Alliance for Change, and other volunteers.  With their assistance over 700 youth gathered together Saturday evening on June 19 at the DC Tunnel.  The youth danced the night away to the sounds of go-go bands by the names of TCB, UCB, Fatal Attraction, Raw Image,  Drama City, and was emceed by EZ Street from WPGC FM 95.5, Antonio the Cuban Cigar Smoker from WKYS FM 93.9, and BIG G, from Backyard Band, WPGC, and the HBO series, The Wire.  The youth were able to register for summer assistance programs, and, for those of age,  register to vote.  Mr. Barnes stated, "We wanted to make a statement about registering voters, because true empowerment comes about when one votes.  Sad to say our elected leaders pay most attention to economic interests or blocs of voters.  When one does not have money and one does not vote, it is as if you don’t exist. We will be investing a great deal of time and energy into registering voters, particularly the youth and disenfranchised."

 

Mr. Barnes presents "Big G" of the go-go band Backyard with a "Guns Aside" T-shirt. 

 

The culmination of the weekend’s activities occurred on the beautiful, clear, blue skied day of June 20 at Freedom Plaza.   There was a calm serenity bestowed upon the day despite the hustle and bustle of all in attendance.  The program opened with a reconciliation activity performed by Ayo Handy Kendi, founder of the African American Holiday Association, and Mama Nia Kummba.  Afterwards, the Hung Tao Choy Kung Fu Academy, lead by Abdur Rahim Muhammad, delighted all with their performance of Kung Fu and the dance of the dragons.  Alvin Jones of WOL’s AM and XM show Too Much Information and Terry Kester, of WPFW's The Peace Show were co-emcees.  Speeches were given by Rick Bailey whom lost his son and nephew senselessly to gun violence; Ernest Thomas, renowned actor; Councilmember Vincent Orange and Council member Sandy Allen presented a council resolution stating June 20, 2004 as A Moratorium on Murder Day; Kymone Freeman graced us with a moving poem; Terry D. Kester gave an inspirational speech on the importance of fatherhood; Johanna McCants from the D. C. Youth Violence Coalition recited an original poem; surprise guest Ron Cartier of the Persuaders sang a resounding acapella ballad; Al Malik Farrakhan, founder of Cease Fire Don't Smoke the Brothers gave a passionate message.  There were musical performances by Melissa Best, T-West, Miya Wiggins (Mr. Barnes’ niece), and Leonard Canady.  The highlight of the evening was the musical serenade performed by a local Washington, DC band called "WHOP 'N Em," the melodies from this band had all in attendance moving their feet, swaying side to side, and filling all with a feel good vibe. The event was filled with positive energy and motivation and with a constant reminder to remember those slain senselessly to honor their memories and to honor their families.  The rally closed with a candlelight vigil and all within a circle standing together hand in hand giving thanks while being  lead in prayer by Reverend Yolanda Bynum, Reverend Anthony Motley and Ayo Handy Kendi.  We, whom all gathered on that day, wanted this past father's day weekend to be the first step to not letting the senseless deaths of our loved ones to have been in vain. 

 

 

Mr. Barnes is interviewed by Channel 9 WUSA News where he declared, "We no longer can sit idly by while our children are being murdered or murdering, and not being educated properly while there seems to be no plan in place by this city or this administration to correct these ills.  We must begin to take action ourselves and it has to take start at the community level. "

 

From left Mr. Barnes, Ava Harrison, Marita Michael, Abdur Rahim Muhammed, and members of the Hung Tao Choy Kung Fu Academy.

 

Councilmember Vincent Orange, right, reads City Council Resolution for "A Moratorium on Murder Day." 

 

Onlookers and supporters at Freedom Plaza.

 

Rick Bailey shares his painful story of losing his son and nephew at the same time. 

 

City Councilmember Sandy Allen.

 

From left, Dave Bowers, Alvin Jones, Ted Loza, Tyrone Parker, Mr, Barnes, Ron Cartier, Ernest Thomas, Marita Michael, Rev. Yearwood, Kevin Carter, and Ayo Handy Kendi. 

 

From left, Priscilla Clarke, EZ Street, Ernest Thomas, Yvette Barnes, Mr. Barnes, Carmen Barnes, and Donnell Clarke. 

 

All in attendance gathered in a circle.

 

The following testimonies from various organizations and individuals gives claim to this second annual father’s day commemoration weekend being a huge success.

 NO MURDERS DC was pleased to participate in the Father's Day weekend activities spearheaded by ROOT.  Believing that one murder in DC is one murder too many, we salute the efforts of Kenny Barnes Sr. and the entire ROOT team in its collaborative work with a range of community stakeholders to move the community closer to the reality of a MURDER FREE DC.  We look forward to working with ROOT and other community partners in the days to come.

 

From: F W <*****@ix.netcom.com> To: ROOT Inc. <rootinc@rootinc.org> Priority: Normal 

Subject: RE: ####ROOT MEDIA ALERT#### Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 09:51 

Congratulations! Congratulations! - Keep up the great work!
May God continue to bless your ministry and you!

From: <****@aol.com> To: ROOT Inc. <rootinc@rootinc.org> Priority: Normal 

Subject: Re: ####ROOT MEDIA ALERT#### Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 06:26 

Much Continued Success Mr. Barnes!
BTG


From: <****@aol.com> To: ROOT Inc. <rootinc@rootinc.org> Priority: Normal 

Subject: Re: ####ROOT MEDIA ALERT#### Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 17:32 

Kenny: I am very proud of all that you are doing to protect our youth and our families. You are a true inspiration. You are a man of your word and I pray for continued strength and the blessings of the Lord and you continue to do God's work. God bless you Kenny. 

From: K S <****@CulturalTourismDC.org> To: ROOT Inc. <rootinc@rootinc.org> Priority: Normal 

Subject: RE: Join ROOT's Father's Day Campaign Against Violence Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 06:31 

Thanks for all you are doing to tackle this enormously important work for the city, our families, and our youth.


From: <****@aol.com> To: ROOT Inc. <rootinc@rootinc.org> Priority: Normal 

Subject: Re: Join ROOT's Father's Day Campaign Against Violence Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 22:05 

Thank you for the info, will forward to my clientele. I am a 6th generation Washingtonian from a very low crime era. Washington was family oriented and children were a priority. Washington is not child-friendly or family oriented. I will pray for you in what you are doing for our youth. 

From: O P <****@hotmail.com> To: ROOT Inc. <rootinc@rootinc.org> Priority: Normal 

Subject: RE: HELP STEM THE TIDE OF VIOLENCE IN DC Date: Tue, 25 May 2004 11:28 

I am touched and inspired by your effort and the alliances which have been built. I live in the Bay Area/Cali. We are experiencing the same incidents. I feel it is vital to speak to as many churches as possible to be in support, through prayer and money for campaigns, local college radio and tv stations as well. Please let me know if any of my ideas are helpful. I am there in spirit for the healing of our black people and especially the youth.

 

For additional information on the Father’s Day Weekend, please read these online periodical reviews. (Double click to view)

 U.S. Newswire - ROOT, Inc. Holds 2nd Annual Father's Day Weekend Commemoration to Call for Moratorium on Murder in DC Area

Murder 'moratorium' called for Father's Day - The Washington Times: Metropolitan - June 18, 2004

 

Help  ROOT  spread awareness. If you believe in ROOT’s Mission, in helping to stem the tide of violence and homicide both systemic and endemic within our communities, please take the time to help support our cause. Discuss these issues, forward this email, become involved, or donate to empower ROOT to continue its outreach campaign of saving the youth. All donations are tax deductible and help to defray costs. 

Ava Harrison

Editor-in-Chief

AvaHarrison@RootInc.org