New York, NY – Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. partnered with the NYPD on Saturday, June 21st for A Day of Peace and Health. A Street fair on West 128th Street between St. Nicholas Avenue and Frederick Douglass Boulevard that took place from 10AM – 6PM.
The Street Fair was co-sponsored by News Corp., Fidelis Care and Civic Associations Serving Harlem (CASH) and featured something for the entire family including vendors with books for children, games, cotton candy, information on employment opportunities as well as free health screenings. On stage entertainment included performances from Academy Award nominated Harlem troupe IMPACT Repertory Theatre, Martial Arts Demonstrations, Spoken word artists, theater excerpts, a special Solution Summit to end Gun & Gang Violence and much more.
Throughout the day from the stage and throughout the Street Fair you could hear the resonating chant “Put the guns Down, Throw the Peace Sign Up!” It was the message of the day and the ongoing message that Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. preaches to young people throughout Harlem and around the city in itsa efforts to help reduce gun violence.
The street fair had a little extra significance because it took place in June which is also Gun Violence Awareness Month. A number of elected officials and special guests made appearances to emphasize the message of Peace & Health, particularly in terms of the community coming together and working with the Police Department elected officals and leaders to work to reduce gun violence every day every year.
Manhattan DA Cy Vance said “we should not only be talking about GunViolence Awarenesss Month but Gun Violence Awareness Year and Gun Violence Awareness Century.” Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer made it a point to stop by the Street Fair as a part of her busy schedule to support the efforts of Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. and the biggest applause was reserved for Congressman Charles Rangel who brought a special guest with him, Grammy Award winning member of the iconic Hip-Hop group The Fugees, Pras Michel. Pras mentioned he came from the World Cup “because the Congressman called and said to come and support this message of anti-gun violence and I wanted to be here for the Congressman and to show that all of us can make a choice to realize our potential but the first choice is to put the guns down”.
The Day of Peace and Health is supported by HARLEM WEEK, The Harlem Transformation Project, Circle of Safety (Harlem Hospital), 32nd Precinct, Play for Peace, HCCLC Pastor Vernon Williams, Harlem Children’s Zone, Christian Parrish for Spiritual Renewal, Hip Hop Youth Summit and Power 105.1FM.
About Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E.
The Mission of Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. is to prolong life among New York City’s youth by preventing gun violence and its social causes and costs. This single issue not-for-profit organization divides its efforts into three areas: Activism, Education and Victim Services.
A Community United.
A community is only as good as those that participate to make it so. G-D Bless these Harlem Mother’s and the NYPD, working together to keep their streets safe for their children and everyone in the community.
She does this every year from the heart. They are all champions in Harlem!