Local Sorority to bring awareness to gang violence

BACKGROUND:	Gang violence is on the rise in Charlotte. Recent Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police statistics show there are 151 documented gangs in the area with nearly 2,000 members collectively. Additionally, a 2008 Gang Survey conducted by Marketwise, an independent market research firm, notes that more than a third of students surveyed believe there is gang activity in their neighborhood. That is why Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has partnered with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's (CMPD) Gang of One Program. "We are committed to this community and making it safe for all citizens," said President Antoinette Cody. "More than that, we are committed to the children of this community. We want them to know that violence is not an option and there are people and programs in the community to help them become productive citizens."
WHAT:	Gang Awareness Walk – The walk will feature a presentation by the Gang of One, a program of the CMPD's Gang Intelligence Unit. Following the presentation, community representatives will walk the Hidden Valley community. CMPD officers will serve as escorts for the empowerment walk. Target audience is middle school and high school students and community members committed to ending gang violence.
WHO:	Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and CMPD's Gang of One Program
WHEN:	Saturday, March 7, 2009 10 a.m. – Presentation Kick-off Empowerment Walk immediately following presentations
WHERE:	Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center 500 Bilmark Avenue Charlotte, NC 28213
	http://www.charlottedst.org/history.htm

CONTACT:
Antoinette Cody Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. deltas@dstcharlotte.org	Issac Applewhite Meck. County Park and Rec. 704.353.0254	Rev. Frances Cook Gang of One 704.336.7331

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