Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

A "silent march" was held Sat. November 9 to address the issue of crime within the community by the NAACP. Local NAACP president Rev. Ambrose Douzart and other community leaders including members of the clergy are expanding efforts to bring down crime. Crime is everywhere, but more in some places than others. The city of Monroe has seen a rise in crime, particularly in homicides. That rise is happening far too often in the black community. Different groups across the community are coming together to figure out solutions, and taking action to stem the rise in violence. The NAACP has a long storied history of fighting injustice in this nation, but also one that brings people together. Rev. Douzart is announcing to the community that it will have more silent marches similar to this one. The march is another way to bring attention to the community that change will come when people take their cause to the streets. According to Douzart, the "silent march" originated back around 1917, when a young organization called the NAACP took a stand against the lynching of black men by having a silent march in the streets. Though blacks were treated as second-class citizens during that time, it was the NAACP's way of bringing awareness to America the atrocities committed against black people. However, in today's climate, murders committed by black on black people is tearing apart the community. Douzart is hoping that if enough of those in the community who want change will "join" him and others, as they march in the streets once again.

Members of the Community gathered for a Silent March against crime

History has shown us that when people protest in the streets, change happens and not just in the U.S. Those protests always start out as a march. Douzart said that the march was selected as a way to "challenge our efforts" with other areas to bring a sense of solidarity, as crime affects the community as a whole. The goal is to bring attention to the young black men so that they will be aware of just what they mean to each other. "It is time for the white flag to be waved", said Douzart. "It is time for peace. It is time for our young men to sit down and resolve their differences". Douzart believes that if meaningful conversations are held within the community, it is possible that the cycle of violence can be broken.

Douzart said that a silent march is slated for the first of the year, and one planned during Black History. Their eventual goal is to have a "thousand man" march, as they want to have a march every quarter. "It has to happen on a continual basis, if we are to be effective", said Douzart. Douzart has the support of Mayor Jamie Mayo, former state senator Charles Jones and his son, newly elected state representative Fredrick Jones and many more. Douzart, as other leaders in the community will acknowledge, change will not come overnight. However, the NAACP knows the power, and impact a march can have when it is taken to the streets. One theme for consideration could be, "Walk To Save A Life". After all, it is our future that is at stake.