Brooklyn Borough Hall was home to the 13th annual Father’s Day Pledge Against Violence this past Thursday, June 16. Organized by CONNECT executive director Quentin “Q” Walcott, attendees recited an 11-point pledge to stop interpersonal, intimate partner and institutional violence in both English and Spanish.
“[The pledge is] really about a platform for folks to say from this point forward, I’m gonna do the work, I need to transform my own behavior—and also transform my community looking at violence in a different way,” said Walcott.
The event featured words and appearances from local political leaders like city Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Activists, including members of anti-violence organizations like LIFE Camp, Inc., RiseNY and Man Up! also spoke, with members wearing bright orange t-shirts for National Gun Violence Awareness Month. Behind the speakers stood the pledgers, in unity and solidarity.
Tandy Lau is a Report for America corps member and writes about public safety for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift today by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/fcszwj8w