A group of South Memphis and Whitehaven pastors, the Concerned Pastors of Whitehaven, gathered at Southland Mall on Monday for a press conference to announce action against a rash of gun homicides in the city. The text of the announcement, delivered by Rev. James Kirkwood, was as follows:
“As of today we have had 2,167 homicides in our city. Nineteen of those homicides were in Raines Station. Raines Station is called home by many good law abiding mothers, father, sisters, and brothers. Those great people do not wake up seeking to cause harm to the men and women. God created nor do they desire to be harmed by anyone.
“CPOW is coming forward to peacefully protest the violence that is happening in our community and city. We want our sons and daughters to live and not die by senseless gun violence that causes pain and trauma to our community leaving us without the victim and the perpetrator.
“You and I are the change Memphis has been waiting for. Together, we can solve the problems we can’t solve alone.”
The group announced further action via a Community Prayer Vigil to be held on the afternoon of Friday, September 2, with the venue to be announced.
