Seeking an end to violence, group tries to mend relationship with MPD
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Pastors United held a 'Stop the Violence' conference on Friday, July 26th. The group called for a time of healing and reconciliation between African-Americans and the Milwaukee Police Department.
"We've got to stop violating each other and we've got to come together and become part of the positive energy to transform our community," Rev. Harold Moore of Mercy Memorial said.
The pastors all echoed the thought that peace begins with fixing strained relationships.
"(We need to) try to redefine relationships with the Milwaukee Police Department and the community so we can develop a concept to help deal with the crime," explained Pastor Mose Fuller.
In an effort to mend this relationship, members of Pastors United intend to get trained by the Milwaukee Police Department.
"The goal is to have them understand exactly what we do, why we do it (and) the areas we work in," Lieutenant Phil Hanyard with MPD said.
In a collaborative effort with Career Youth Development and city and state officials, Pastors United is attempting to confront issues with the whole community. The group will zone in on factors that contribute to violence, such as education, unemployment and metal health. Finding common ground with the youth is a key strategy, members of Pastors United said.
"It requires partnerships with the young people," one pastor explained. "And the ones that are most often involved in committing crimes. To prevent crimes, we feel that it takes us working together (with) MPD and young people to truly combat crime."
Vince McCurtis is one of several peer mentors in the newly-created Conflict Resolution Center, which facilitates non-violent conflict resolutions. He is fed up with all the violence.
"People are dying every day," McCurtis said. "I just went to a memorial. I don`t want to see that anymore."