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ATLANTIC CITY - Hosting a summit to discuss the resort's woes seems to be the latest rage in Atlantic City.

But as the titans of politics and captains of industry met Monday with Cordish Co. and Mayor Lorenzo Langford prepared for his high-profile gathering today, a small group of neighborhood organizations tried to tackle what might be the most important issue the city faces - violence.

Monday's event at the city's All Wars Memorial Building began with the 20 people in attendance forming a circle at the front of the room to discuss why they came. The group came to the collective agreement that talking is helpful, but it must be accompanied by serious planning and action.

"I think we need to formulate a plan and it needs to start with the young ones," said Minister George Condry, from the Bible Knowledge Church in Christ. "I work with computers, and until you reprogram a computer it's going to do what it was originally programmed to do. I believe our children are the same way."

Rose Garland stood in the circle holding a photo of her son, Anthony, who was gunned down in 2005. She said she came because the emotional wounds caused by her son's death are opened and prodded each time another resident is killed.

"We need to come together and strengthen one another," said Garland, who recently created the Iron Sharpen Iron Men's Fellowship.

Others in attendance have not only been effected by the city's issues of drugs and violence, but previously contributed to the problem.

"I sold drugs and carried a gun," said lifelong city resident Gary Gant Sr. "I became my own best costumer. ... We need to find a solution in our neighborhoods. I don't know what the solution is, but I'm here to find out."

Many in attendance viewed Monday as a starting point and expected to hold more meetings in the future.

Steve Young, president of the National Action Network's local chapter, organized the event to coincide with the Rev. Al Sharpton's "National Day of Outrage." He welcomed other organizations to the meeting, including the Atlantic County Women's Center, Mothers In Charge and the National Hook-Up of Black Women. The groups in attendance handed out information and set up stations to answer questions and offer guidance.

Young spoke to the low-turnout at Monday's event, hampered by a cold and rainy day.

"You may not see a lot of members here today, but don't be discouraged," he said. "There are organizations here. Those organizations bring more numbers."

Contact Michael Clark:

609-272-7204

Michael.Clark@pressofac.com

12 comments:

• Ohmygoodness (157) posts 7:00 pm

  Steve Young was there to size up his sons competition. No doubt Young has himself benefitted from his sons hustleing. Way, Way to funny. All 12 people who "care" about the city were there. What is that hornets nest looking thing on that guys head?

• Mr_Glock (232) posts 7:41 am

  I started out reading the article with an optimistic attitude. As soon as Steve Young's name was mentioned as taking a leading role in the gathering, the effort lost all legitimacy. How can someone who's own son is part of the problem because of their lack parenting skills offer any solutions?

• scorpio08401 (57) posts 4:50 pm

  Where's the K-9 units when you need them. Oh I forgot....banned from Atlantic City to protect the......who is being protected again? Obviously not law abiding citizens.

• BernieSchwartz (645) posts 3:10 pm

  I'm quoting Steve Young when I say "their people". He says that ALL the time, but I guess that's O.K. since he's black.

• spritual awakening (8) posts 2:57 pm

  Words such as "their people" what about the "all people"! You are so critical what are you contributing to help except to critize someone. I guess just judging is your best weapon that sounds productive??????

• BernieSchwartz (645) posts 2:47 pm

  Steve Young and the National non-action committee have done nothing to improve "their" peoples lives. He seems to be doing O.K. for himself. Still protesting in front of firehouse? 6 months and your still at square one, work on that lawsuit fellas. Police dogs? No word on that lately, just cause a national debate and simply let it fade away.... You expect this city to turn around with Young, Marsh, and Langford running things, seriously, think about it. If you want to end the violence, snitch or continue burrying your children, it's that simple.

• B4real (371) posts 12:59 pm

  Steve Young is a big mouth loser who contributes nothing to the city. Steve Young needs to start by getting his drug dealing son off the corner. All talk and no action.

• American_Gaming_Guru (242) posts 10:46 am

  Bravo....this is the best way to do it. When good people come together to take action and say enough is enough.

• spritual awakening (8) posts 9:58 am

  I even pray for you Nunya! You hate Steve so much! Whatever he had done to you to cause you so much pain, I hope you can find in your heart for forgiveness. Have a nice day!

• Nunya- (155) posts 9:29 am

  Spirit, your babbling, and towards the end you get alittle racial yourself, thats negative also. Dont be so high and mighty, prayer is nice, but dirty hands get things done. Go out , look a punk straight in the eye and say" I know who you are, and that sh*t aint welcomed here anymore." Then get steve to back you up and see if he shows.

• spritual awakening (8) posts 9:11 am

  The meeting was a positive meeting that Steve Young facilitated. Prayer was the intergral part of the meeting and it was so important. Ofcourse, their will be negativity coming from ignorance but the focus was about change and interceding in our community that we love so much.I even prayer for the negativity that may arise out of this. I believe that what God put together no man and prevent from happening. Steve keep doing what you doing if God appointed you in that position. It is about bringing people together for solutions not the negativity input that others may say who do not support or get involved in the community in the first place. They are the critics who do not help but to say ignorant words to make them feel that they are better than.... You know those kind of people... using their critical words to feel superior when they are actually speaking about themselves. It was ashamed that the politicians was not there except Steven Moore. Those high profile politicians and developers including CRDA do not meet with the residents... or try to solve problems but be critical to the community because they want to expand their pockets. They want to move the current residents out and put their kind of residents here... to only displace the current ones. Just watch and see.... "open your eyes"! They want to find every excuse to displace idividuals. They do not care about our community.. because for one they do not live here! They are the most critical person to say those kind of words however desire to only displace current residents. They are hoping what Steven Young is trying to do... bring the community together however want to displace residents. They should had been there because they need prayer as leaders not for themselves and their private agenda. How can something work if you do not have everyone there! One-sided their opinions and hatered they have in the inside. It is ashamed!

• Nunya- (155) posts 8:14 am

  Handed out information about what??? Set up stations answer questions ? The only question here is when will YOU as a neighbor tell that punk down the street, to get off my stoop.! Go hang on yo mommas porch. And if YOU see some crime, rat that piece of garbage out, hes bringing YOU down. And get away from Steve young , hes a dope.

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