NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Engaging the black youth of New Orleans in positive opportunities such as sports, music or arts programs scores big with Tamara Jackson, the executive director of Silence is Violence.
“I know the pressure has been on the Mayor’s administration and law enforcement, but it’s also equally important that the community participate and engage. It’s your neighborhood, it’s your children, it’s our children, we have to do more,” says Jackson.
As the victim’s advocate working with the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office, Jackson is on the frontline when it comes to the city’s homicide count, which is currently past 90 for the year.
“You just lost a wonderful officer who was a veteran, dedicated. He was murdered; now an officer’s daughter. That definitely tells you that no one is safe—that anybody can become a victim at any time,” says Jackson. She says these instances are “red flags” for the community.
The mother of 20-year-old Milan Arriola, New Orleans Police Officer Imani Ruffins, wrote an open letter to her daughter’s killer and posted it on Facebook.
It reads in part:
“I want you to know that in spite of you changing my life forever, I don’t hate you. I feel sorry for you… So today I’ll pray for you, that God has mercy on your soul.”
Twenty-year-old Will Reed is charged with second-degree murder in the case.
Jackson sees hope in the fact that forgiveness is also making headlines. Creating a sign of solidarity in the black community.
“We have to reach out and try to love one another again and not let emotion and conflict filter into violent actions,” she says.