A “Stop the Violence” parade was supposed to take place Friday in downtown Starkville, but the event was called off because nobody showed up to march.
Starkville Police Department Master Officer Freddie Bardley believes there was a scheduling mix-up. A youth summit is scheduled for July 28 at the Starkville Sportsplex, which will feature guest speakers and other activities geared toward juveniles, and Bardley believes the youth who were scheduled to march in Friday”s “Stop the Violence” parade mistakenly thought it also was scheduled for July 28.
Prominent youth speaker R.J. Matthews will speak at the summit, along with the Rev. Timothy Bourne. A panel of other local pastors and community leaders will be on hand to answer questions.
“Hopefully the kids ask the right questions,” Bardley said Friday. “It should do well.”
The goal of the parade and youth summit is to bring youth together to speak out against violence, Bardley said.
“We want these kids to realize that violence is not the answer,” Bardley said.
The July 28 youth summit runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Starkville Sportsplex, located at 405 Lynn Lane.
Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman and Ward 2 Alderwoman Sandra Sistrunk commended Bardley and other community members for reaching out to local youth.
“I think it”s very encouraging,” Wiseman said. “I”m very excited that we have citizens in our community that are interested in the life, health and welfare of the youth of this community. It”s a very positive sign for the city of Starkville.”
Sistrunk shared a similar sentiment.
“This is one of those pro-active events we”ve been talking about,” Sistrunk said. “I think it”s something very positive for the city.”
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