Breaking the cycle of violence

A Community Violence Intervention Summit with U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. was held at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark.

East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who is president of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, were among those at the meeting that was held to discuss Booker’s Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative.

The initiative aims to prevent and disrupt cycles of violence and retaliation in urban communities. Roundtable discussions focused on efforts that Green and his administration have taken in East Orange.

During the Q&A session at the Aug. 31 event, Green focused his attention on several key issues, including amending the controversial bail reform law in New Jersey. In its current state, the new bail reform legislation makes it possible for violent criminals to get out of jail following a bail hearing. Since its implementation, Green and other elected officials have lobbied for stricter rules for the release of suspects charged with gun possession, according to a press release from the mayor’s office.

“It makes it hard for our police officers and dangerous for our community when a suspect gets caught with a gun and the next day they are back out on the street,” Green said.

Although the City of East Orange has experienced a decrease in overall crime this past year, the recent shooting deaths of two local high school students – Letrell Duncan and Nicholas Edwards – led Mayor Green to galvanize a coalition of individuals, clergy and community-based organizations to address gun violence among our youth.

Edwards, an 18-year-old resident of East Orange, was fatally shot on July 3. Duncan, who was 16, was killed on Oct. 3.

As a result, the City:

• Established the Mayor’s Street Engagement Team, a group of reformed residents who provide intervention and mentorship for at-risk youth;

• Started “Open Gym” at Fresh Start Academy, an after-school recreation and mentoring program geared toward high school youth;

• Expanded At-Risk Youth Training and Employment Programs for ages 18-25;

• Created a new slate of after-school enrichment programming for children ages 14-18;

• Hosted Pop-Up Block Parties with EOPD and EOFD throughout the summer to foster positive relationships between police and residents;

• Sponsored targeted Community Resource Fairs in conjunction with the newly-formed East Orange Bronze Shields, a minority police advocacy organization;

• Expanded summer jobs by 25%;

• Collaborated with East Orange School District to continue a Peer Mental Health Ambassador Program to address mental health among students.

In order to amplify the City’s ongoing crime prevention efforts, Green asked Booker about federal funding to open a Violence and Trauma Prevention Unit in the community, how to tap into the Department of Justice’s $5 billion in grants for criminal, juvenile justice and survivor programming and what federal resources are available to support post-prison reentry services at the local level.

“Public safety is a driving factor in every community. Everyone wants and deserves to feel safe in their own neighborhood. We are investing our resources and manpower to focus on strategies that will put our young people on a trajectory toward success,” Green said. “I am committed to prioritizing prevention-based approaches that will support our end goal: raising our village and preserving peace in our city.”

If you are interested in any of our violence intervention programs or becoming a volunteer/mentor, please call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at 973.266.5151.

  Cory Booker, east orange, Violence