Unity Brings Peace to Shelby Community
In 2009, the City of Pleasant living saw a 20 year crime rate low but in past weeks with the deaths of several Cleveland County youth, the start of 2010 appears to be a different story.
Saturday friends, family, and loved ones paid their respects to Leon Thurman Jr., 21, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, but what happened outside the house of worship is what could leave a long lasting impact.
People of all ages filled Carolina Ave. in what Pastors and Bishop's are calling a county wide weekend of unity instead of retaliation.
"We have seen a lot of tragedy lately and I think as a city and as neighborhoods we are starting to see people come together more. I think unity is a good word. It is going to take a unified approach to correct a lot of what we have seen," said Chief Jeff Ledford, Shelby Police.
Chief Ledford commends organizers and the people who came out in support of the Thurman family and community, and says Shelby did have a quite crime weekend.
"I think it was a very powerful message that the community sent. you have a tragic death and when you see a community come together to pretty well stand-up and say "enough is enough." I think that's a great thing," said Chief Ledford
Posted on: 03/08/2010
Comments
