Anti-crime march halts the streets of Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn. — An anti-crime march was held in east Jackson Friday to draw attention to the violence in the city. “AJ was the life of our family, and so we miss him dearly. All things happen for a reason, but we want to be able to try and help make some sense not just for our family but for all of the other families that have been affected,” said Evelyn Harris. Harris lost her cousin, Aljernon Lloyd, Jr., when he was murdered in a friends driveway in March. Lloyd is one of eight homicide victims in Jackson this year. “We want to get out and help the young kids and see there’s something positive in Jackson besides killing one another and to come out and support the walk,” explained resident Jacqueline Waller. Residents that came out to support the march said it is about setting an example. “We’re losing our young people. This world is turning to nothing but violence and we’ve got to stand up,” explained resident and retired police officer George Steele. Residents circled up in prayer before taking their first steps out to Chester Street. “We want to show them that we care about them and we want them to change the way they’re living because we love them and we expect something great from them,” said resident Robert Brice. Walking through the first streets is the first step in making the problem known. “Jackson can be a good city for people to come and visit and settle down here,” explained Brice. Organizers say this march is just one of many they will be having to bring attention to the issue.
