Residents March To Curb Crime
JACKSON, Tenn. — One step at a time. Those fed up with crime in the Jackson marched through the streets of the Hub City, Friday evening. They are not stopping bullets or making arrests, but participants and watchers alike feel a difference is being make. The march went up and down Old Hickory Blvd. and was the second one in Jackson in the past two weeks. About 100 people participated, along with City Councilman Johnny Dodd. “I think the marches are more like awareness,” said Councilman Dodd. “Going into the community, letting people know we are concerned and we will support your community.” Sabrina Smith watched the march with her children. She believes crime in her west Jackson neighborhood is getting out of hand. “It needs to stop, because there’s too many kids out here,” said Smith. “There’s too many innocent people out getting killed.” Councilman Dodd said he hopes events like this, help fathers begin a conversation with their children. “We need to get more men involved in our community, and go back to being fathers to their kids,” said Councilman Dodd. “Make sure our kids have mentors to look up to.” Dodd believes those relationships and ones built through efforts like this will make a difference. “I think it was good for them to come down through here,” said Smith. “At least on this street, because this is where a majority of the crime happens.” There have been eight murders so far this year in Jackson. Councilman Dodd said his goal is to not see that number rise. Organizers said they plan on holding more marches like these over the next few months.
