Murder in the Streets
Blood drips from street to street in our community, as one Black male and sometimes female is shot down almost daily. It is even hard to use the word community because it has disintegrated into a killing field. When I was growing up, I heard my parents talk about a bar in Niagara Falls called the “Bucket of Blood.” It was called this because so many people were killed there, not by gun, but by knife. Killing has existed in society for years going back to biblical days. However, today it is most disturbing due to the availability of guns. The trauma on our children will have a tremendous impact for years to come. It seems that everyone has a gun, and the only way that they solve problems is to shoot and ask questions later. The question is: where do we go from here?
The Late Bennett W. Smith, former pastor of St. John Baptist Church, had a radio program on WUFO every Saturday. This was during the time of the 22-caliber killer in the 1980s. Joseph Christopher, a Caucasian, killed at least a dozen Black men. He even cut out the heart of one person. It was a scary time in our city. Every week, Rev. Smith kept shouting the same words on his weekly broadcast– Catch the Killer!! He did this relentlessly until the killer was caught. Today, few voices are raised in our community against violence. Our leaders are mostly silent. While I am appreciative of the work of our anti-violence groups. There should be more voices against senseless violence. Many may wonder why I am even writing about this terrible situation because it seems so hopeless.
Several years ago, I called for a Day of Unity and Peace, not only in Buffalo, but nationwide – a Day when there would be no killing. I always stated that I wanted to do my part. As a mother. grandmother, and now a great grandmother, since I am concerned about them living in such a violent community. I am still calling for that day with No Violence. My position is that we must do something and say something while we can. There is a verse in the Bible that points to the fact that while we yet live, we must do the work that is needed, because when we die it is all over. This verse is from Ecclesiastes 9:10. It can be found in various editions of the Bible. It says the following: “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol (the grave) where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.” These are words of truth that we must all remember. Let’s pray for peace throughout our community!!