Prayer, Word, Deed

Now more than ever, we must remind ourselves every single life matters and no act of violence should be tolerated in our communities—Cedric Coley

Prayer, Word, Deed
Cedric Coley Image—submitted

Guest Opinion by Cedric Coley

"On Saturday evening, October 4th, our city was shaken by the grotesque actions of two groups of people who chose to resolve their disputes in a public gathering with violence. In doing so these individuals shot 14 people who were about their evening with friends and family. Five of these victims are currently in critical condition fighting for their lives, while the lives of Jeremiah Morris (age 17) and Shalanda Williams (age 43) were senselessly cut short as they attempted to enjoy their last night with fun, food and entertainment. 

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and the families of this tragedy. It would be easy to point fingers at those who have opposite political viewpoints on low crime stats, the glorification in pop-culture of dehumanization, keeping repeat and violent offenders off our streets, individual personal accountability for repugnant and immoral behavior, and insufficient law enforcement capabilities. I will instead choose to focus on the grieving loved ones whose lives have forever changed with these diabolical acts of violence. All resources necessary should be made available immediately to the families of the victims. Now, more than ever, we must remind ourselves every single life matters and no act of violence should be tolerated in our communities. 

We, as a city and as a society, must recognize we have a crisis of the heart and of the soul. We must fully acknowledge the sanctity of human life from cradle to grave. Acts of violence against our neighbors in any form are not acceptable. Our Public Officials must implement every available measure to restore and maintain Public Safety with swift Justice. The people of Montgomery, Alabama, deserve a safe city. Yet, no government institution alone can heal what is broken within our homes and our neighborhoods. The honorable men and women who valiantly serve on our police force were in the vicinity and responded quickly, in spite of the blatant disregard for their presence. 

We, the people, must be the driving force of the solution. I call on every citizen of Montgomery, Alabama, to stand up for life, organize and coordinate against dehumanization at every level, speak out against violence in words and actions, to care for one another, mentor our youth or assist those who are, support the grieving, to hold all of our elected officials accountable, and to foster a community where dignity and safety are not privileges, but demanded rights well delivered every single day.

Please, remember these victims and all victims of violence in Montgomery, Alabama, as well as all of our towns and cities in our state. Their lives matter."

Cedric Coley was raised in the River Region, and has lived all his adult life in Montgomery.

Opinions do not reflect the views and opinions of ALPolitics.com. ALPolitics.com makes no claims nor assumes any responsibility for the information and opinions expressed above.