EDITORIAL
No Magic Solutions for Gun Violence
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Washington Wizards could wave their magic wands and end gun violence across D.C., especially in Ward 8? The reality is that they aren’t crime fighters but merely basketball players whose duty is to win games and entertain fans, not to fight crime. Still, two players, Anthony Gill and Monte Morris, along with Natasha Cloud of the Mystics, injected their voices into the chorus of residents and community activists who keep saying “enough is enough” of the rising gun violence and gun-related murders in D.C. It’s unclear what the expectations were of those that attended the town hall meeting this week hosted by the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition and the Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ). Collaborators included Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the D.C. offices of Gun Violence Prevention and Victims Services and Justice Grants. The evening event was held at the RISE Center on the campus of St. Elizabeth’s near the Sports and Entertainment Arena, which serves as the Wizard’s practice court and the home court for the Mystics. More than 100 anxious residents and community leaders showed up hopeful and looking for solutions that have eluded politicians, police, clergy or even the violence interrupters who are making a difference in the fight against gun violence but for many, it’s not enough. Heads nodded, and the audience applauded following the testimonials of Gill and Morris, who grew up in High Point, North Carolina, and Flint, Michigan, respectively. Both faced what young Black boys see every day in the streets in D.C. but thanks to their focus on their sport and families supporting them despite their fears for their survival, they made it out. “This historic partnership between ASJ and the NBA/WNBA is only the first step in our work to curb gun violence and bring real public safety and justice to communities most harmed,” Jay Jordan, president of Alliance for Safety and Justice and national director of TimeDone told the audience and the press. The new initiative established in response to the murder of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake aims to “chart a path towards greater investment in community-based violence prevention and rehabilitation services proven to heal victims, and pioneered by ASJ,” according to a press release. While many in the room are already deeply invested in finding solutions to ending gun violence, including Councilmembers Trayon White (Ward 8) and Kenyon McDuffie (Ward 5), many left asking, “What’s next?” Despite the innumerable town halls, marches and street vigils, hope still prevails. It will take more than wizardry to end gun violence. Still, with more action from those in the community, including sports figures, offering their voices, ideas and investments to the community, the problem might mystically disappear. WI
Trouble Don’t Last Always – Still, It’s Not Easy Just when we thought that we could finally exhale in relief, believing that the coronavirus pandemic was over, new variants have emerged that are forcing us to put our masks back on, to isolate ourselves when infected and in some cases, to be placed in hospitals for treatment. At the same time, a new virus, the Monkeypox variant, has begun to spread across the U.S., causing further fear among Americans with only limited supplies of medicine available. Meanwhile, prices for just about everything we need have gone through the roof. Lines at non-profits and churches can now be seen wrapping around corners as families wait for groceries to help them with the bottom line and to feed their loved ones. But most alarming, as schools prepare to open their doors this fall, hopefully without being forced to revert to virtual learning, are the huge numbers of shootings that have recently plagues the District and surrounding areas. It is indeed a very challenging time for all of us. And while some may feel like throwing their hands in the air and giving us, we know that is not the answer. In days past, communities would come together and provide assistance, sharing meals, watching one another’s children, helping seniors and keeping their communities safe. We must join forces in these difficult times and remember as one poet said, “No man (woman) is an island.” Our parents and grandparents often reminded us that “trouble don’t last always.” And while that is true, it’s equally true that as we move out of the storm, it’s still very difficult. But we remain optimistic. WI
TO THE EDITOR Building Bridges
Wow! Super impressed by the latest issue of the WI Bridge. I loved the visuals and artistry — great work, as always. Tam Leeper Washington, D.C.
Cruel and Unusual?
I feel two ways about the D.C. Council contemplating a solitary confinement ban in D.C. jails. On the one hand, I think officers need ways to dish out punishment for those who have infractions. But, at the same time, what good is driving someone insane going to do by keeping them locked in a 4x4, 23 hours a day with no human contact? I say the remedy doesn’t outweigh the risk. Morgan F. Blythe Oxon Hill, Md.
Readers' Mailbox
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you. AUGUST 4 - 10, 2022 29
