BY JUNIOUS SMITH III
Staff Writer
In the wake of violent activity earlier this month, Selena Wilson wanted to create an event to raise awareness in the community and ensure the safety of children.
Saturday’s Community Day event at Southeast Park was a start for Wilson, as dozens of people came out to enjoy music, games and food.
Wilson said she planned the event after the murder of James Franklin, 20, who was killed by gunfire on Election Day.
“The young man murdered was innocent to the violence,” Wilson said. “I wanted to heighten the awareness of the community leaders and government to provide resources we need for the children. Hopefully, something will develop from this.
“We want the kids to feel safe and the parks to be more family oriented,” Wilson said. “Even in times of sorrow, the kids were happy today, and we want the same thing whether it’s at Southeast Park, Lincoln City Park or Georgia K. Battle Park.”
Edward Roman, Wilson’s cousin, said he’s seen her take the initiative in improving the community.
“She’s always trying to do something positive,” Roman said. “We want to give kids a bit of excitement in an area that isn’t exactly festive all the time. For the sake of the kids, we want to help make this a safer place.”
Tavaris Moore, CEO of Save Our City, said he supported Wilson’s event and assisted her during the process.
“I run different programs and we come together to help others,” Moore said. “If you want something to be successful, sometimes it’s best to share your vision with others so it can become big.”
Moore said his nonprofit organization has worked diligently in helping the youth and improving the area.
“We don’t get paid, but we hit the streets and help others,” Moore said. “We mentor the kids and stay involved in the community. There are more people doing projects, so it shows that others do care about making things better.”
Cornell Berry, a paraprofessional at Abilities Incorporated, was one of the guest speakers at the event. Berry said he grew up in the Southeast area and wanted to talk to the youth about getting away from the violence, something he has also done in his spare time.
“I try to help steer people away from drugs, guns and violence, and get them to move forward over moving back,” Berry said.
To 14-year old Ahmodd Wayne, he enjoyed his friends and playing basketball at the event, but not the violence over the past month.
“This is a good event, but the shootings were bad,” Wayne said.
Johnny Jones, 15, said he came out because his uncle is a part of the anti-violence movement, but said it can be tough to enjoy himself at the park.
“A lot of times, you don’t want to go outside, but I did have a lot of fun at this event,” Jones said.
For Moore, although he has seen progression, he said the residents of the area have to continue to work for the betterment of the community.
“It’s going to take time, but really, it’s getting better,” Moore said. “The people have to show support though. If you want the community to get better, you have to stand up and fight for it.”
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.