The Rev. Dr. King dreamed that one day all Americans would be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. Well, he probably smiled some and frowned a little from heaven as we discussed our concerns at the first community mass meeting sponsored by the Fayette County NAACP Branch to address the problem of gangs in our community.

The irony is that this meeting happened on the very day that we observed his birthday.

I would like to thank the panelists: District Attorney Scott Ballard; the Rev. William Brown, CEO, William Brown Ministries, Inc.; Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis; Fayetteville Police Chief Steve Heaton; Peachtree City Lt. Jennifer Michel; Mr. Dave Simmons, president, Dave Simmons & Associates; Deputy Superintendent Mr. Sam Sweat; Mrs. Alice Jones, NAACP Youth Council advisor; and the Rev. Melvin Ware, NAACP religious affairs chair, who served as the moderator.

A special thanks also to the citizens of Fayette County, over 300 of whom came and participated in this much needed event.

Based on the responses from the community and panelists, the meeting was a critical success. Some of the recommendations for curbing gang activity included tough love, encouraging teens to participate in extracurricular activities in schools, recreation centers, churches, and various youth organizations.

We plan to include information about these and other activities on our website, www.fcnaacp.org. We also plan to support the Fayette County School System with facilitating juvenile justice awareness workshops in middle and high schools.

DA Ballard indicated that he would prosecute any criminal gang crime to the fullest of the law. Several members of the community expressed concerns about children being designated as members of gangs when they were only watching or observing a fight being committed by the supposedly gang members and the fact that ultimately the police and justice system will negatively alter the course of these children’s lives.

The NAACP plans to continue sponsoring community meetings to discuss these and other issues that could be a detriment to our community.

As residents and governmental officials expressed their concerns and positions to each other, it was clear that more communication is needed. As a 20-year resident of Peachtree City, I have witnessed Fayette County growth in several ways and, as with any change, there is some resistance.

The meeting on Monday showed that as a community we have many similarities, but we also have some differences. The exchange of thoughts and ideas will hopefully lead to a better understanding of each others’ positions and this greater understanding will serve to improve the community.

Again, hats off to the panelists and the community for their participation in such an important occasion.

Phyllis M. Blake, President

NAACP, Fayette County Branch

Fayetteville, Ga.

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