Everyone has a Role to Play

Indeed Ms. Cunningham is correct in that it is God, and God alone who can guide us in the necessary human efforts and endeavors that we must embark upon collectively in order to address and resolve the uncontrolled, rampant violence, which is heaping destruction, not only on Rochester, NY, but on urban areas in particular --- throughout the United States of America, especially where poor people of color are concerned. This is why we must keep God at the center of all that we attempt, and all that we do.

However, there is potential danger in the position articulated by Ms. Cunningham. One could easily interpret her position (as many probably will --- because it represents the easy way out) to mean that all we need to do is pray, and wait for God to bring an end to violence.

On the contrary, many of us of varying faiths and beliefs are unequivocally convinced that we must continue to pray as we simultaneously act collectively --- like never before. Many also believe that the part of the Holy Scriptures that speaks best and loudest to the latter referenced necessity, is the part which explains that God will help those who help themselves.

In addition to praying with unprecedented frequency and sincerity --- it is exactly "the mayor, the police department, the churches, social services department" education leaders, parents and all others, especially those whom we employ to help solve and/or manage the underlying root causes, issues, and problems --- from which the violence stems --- that we must look to. If those who are currently occupying such positions, including local, state, and federal officials and leaders, are not willing and/or able to work collectively and collaboratively with the broadest possible representation of our communities in order to produce much better, potential solutions than we have thus far --- then they must be replaced by those who can and will --- period!

 

 

It is God who can end violence; to him the city must pray

Brenda Cunningham

 

(October 16, 2005) — Since the Speaking Out essay I wrote upon the death of DeMario Moore (April 6), the murderous fury has grown out of control. Sounds of wailings echo throughout our streets. Sounds of awe, disbelief, sorrow and pain are heard everywhere. People are numb. People are afraid. People are like hostages held in their homes and communities

Once we had a code of ethics in our homes and communities. Now it's dog eat dog. Everyone is out for their own selfish desires and ambitions. The Bible speaks of these times in the Book of James: "What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn't it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it! ... But the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it! And even when you ask, you don't get it because ... you want only what will give you pleasure!"

People of this community, I plead with you: To put an end to the violence in this community, we have to stop and look inside ourselves and see what's really going on. Don't look to the mayor, the police department, the churches, schools or the social services department. Look to God for help! In his hands lies the solution! We as a community need to offer up continuous prayers for one another — and may God hear our cries!

We have allowed ourselves to become infiltrated with the evils and immoralities that are taking the very breath from us!

Our children are being slaughtered in the very streets where they should be playing and enjoying their youth.