Jackson residents turn to prayer after month of crime
EAST JACKSON, Tenn. — Grieving residents gathered in Sherlene Mercer Park, fed up with violence in the city, and turning to prayer.
“We’re out here to pray for our city, the homicide, we’ve had maybe 4 or 5 in January we believe prayer changes things,” said local pastor, Mychal Hunt.
Community leaders ranging from politicians to pastors all joined hands in the name of God, praying for a change. Since the year began, Jackson has seen three homicides and police are investigating a fourth.
Mitiz Merriweather also attended the prayer service in remorse. “My heart just went out for the young men and women who have been murdered because of the violence in Tennessee.”
City Councilman Johnny Dodd, who organized the gathering, says prayer will help but won’t change things alone. “It’s time for us all to take a look in the mirror and ask what are you doing to make out city better and stop blaming elected officials and the police department. It all starts at home.”
