Notes from Tent CIty
From Tazer Friend Mike Ali...
This past weekend, Tent CIty bustled with activity. The residents of the nearby community sensed that this was the opportunity for a "buy-in" to have true peace on the streets. All residents noted that the murder machine had come to a halt, and the drug and prostitution trades in the 4th St. area were down dramatically. Residents also felt the political power of the vote. Because of these facts, the people can no longer be ignored by the Mayor's administration or the government of the City of Richmond.
During the daytime, from around 10 am to 5 pm, there are about 200 mostly new faces daily, and a core of 40 tent residents there 24/7, day and night. The support from the community has been overwhelming. One individual contributed a $500 check and over 500 lbs of wood. Even Tazer personnel came through with supplies, such as water that is critical for drinking and cooking. RPD acknowledges that tent city residents are doing an incredible job of halting area crime.
Tent City on 4th is considered by many in the community to be holy and sacred ground. Many of the men and women there view themselves as spirit warriors. Even the newsprint media has been camping out at the site to learn more about why the community is doing this. WHen I think about the spirit of Tent City, I truly believe that the community has a strong sense that this might just work.
On behalf of the Real Richmond Violence Prevention Movement, we encourage Tazer readers to continue to pray and contribute any supplies to the 4th St. site. They will be shared with the North Richmond camp. Thank you, Tazer and Tazer readers for your support to the cause!
From the frontlines of human and civil rights in Richmond,
Michael Ali
This past weekend, Tent CIty bustled with activity. The residents of the nearby community sensed that this was the opportunity for a "buy-in" to have true peace on the streets. All residents noted that the murder machine had come to a halt, and the drug and prostitution trades in the 4th St. area were down dramatically. Residents also felt the political power of the vote. Because of these facts, the people can no longer be ignored by the Mayor's administration or the government of the City of Richmond.
During the daytime, from around 10 am to 5 pm, there are about 200 mostly new faces daily, and a core of 40 tent residents there 24/7, day and night. The support from the community has been overwhelming. One individual contributed a $500 check and over 500 lbs of wood. Even Tazer personnel came through with supplies, such as water that is critical for drinking and cooking. RPD acknowledges that tent city residents are doing an incredible job of halting area crime.
Tent City on 4th is considered by many in the community to be holy and sacred ground. Many of the men and women there view themselves as spirit warriors. Even the newsprint media has been camping out at the site to learn more about why the community is doing this. WHen I think about the spirit of Tent City, I truly believe that the community has a strong sense that this might just work.
On behalf of the Real Richmond Violence Prevention Movement, we encourage Tazer readers to continue to pray and contribute any supplies to the 4th St. site. They will be shared with the North Richmond camp. Thank you, Tazer and Tazer readers for your support to the cause!
From the frontlines of human and civil rights in Richmond,
Michael Ali
posted by Plunda Claus @ 11:18 AM
7 Comments:
At October 02, 2006 12:58 PM,
Anonymous said…
Don't stop this reporting. It's good to get fresh positive information from there.
At October 02, 2006 1:08 PM,
Anonymous said…
This blog is kewl!
At October 02, 2006 2:59 PM,
Anonymous said…
i want to help but man to be honest im scarred to even go to where the tents are at, keep up the good fight
At October 02, 2006 4:05 PM,
Anonymous said…
Well hell then write a check to Newsome, Ali or Shumake they willmake sure the money is spent on food, water etc. It's to bad you feel scared, man to overnight is a really cool thang!
At October 02, 2006 5:48 PM,
Anonymous said…
To the person who wrote he or she was frightened to go to the tent village after dark, I would say you are missing a wonderful time of making new friends and fellowship. It is a place that has people that are focused on the issue of peace on the streets of Richmond citywide. I have spent numerous overnights there and I plan to spend more there in the next number of weeks!
At October 02, 2006 5:50 PM,
Anonymous said…
Hey Tazer!
Tell Irma we need more Grits! We ran out the stuff!
At October 02, 2006 9:46 PM,
Anonymous said…
I think this the best thing that the people of Richmond have done in a long time.
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