We Pray For The Families Of The Victims Of Peoria's Crime & Violence

The Victims of 2009 & 2010 Violence In Peoria, All Left Families & Relatives. These Are Some Of Them:

2009:
Mario McGee, 19
Lonnie Williams, 27
Joshua Hunter, 24
Anil Dhingra, 58
Derrick Wade, 24
Jonathan Pickett, 45
Kermit O. Moore Jr., 21
Eric D. Donelson, 32
Clifford Harvey Jr., 37
Lucas T. Alberts, 2
Harvey Powell Jr., 23
Johnny L. Tyler, 47
Derome T. Brown, 16
Brandon D. Grant, 23
Johnnie L. Whitehead, 35
Arther Bradford, 54
Darnell Moore, 54
Diondre Nunn, 17

2010
Martha Thomas, 38
Dorothy McDonald,83
Stephen McDonald, 65
Jasmine N. Brittine, 19,
Abdallah H. Kattoum, 31
Darryl Miller, 2
Youlandice Simmons, 24
Brianna Simmons, 22
Darresse Roddy, 19.
Nick D. Renfro, 20
TaJi Cross, 20
Orvette Davis, 41
Willie J. Martin, 36
Walter Holmes Jr.,21
Adrian Ortega, 19
~Since this writing~
Orlando Davis, 30
Anthony Johnson, 43

In all over 30 families and countless relatives have been effected by the violence. Each life was valuable to someone and precious to God. That's why we reach and we teach the way we do.

Blessed!

City Renewal Through Prayer & Compassion

Don't Be A Zero, Be A Community Hero!

The Peoria Association Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal are reaching out with a Community Hero Campaign designed to combat and directly effect the challenges associated with the "street rule" of "no-Snitchin'".

We want to change the perception around letting individuals and children know that Heroes are the ones who stand to make their community better by demanding accountability from those around them. We simply say,

"Be A Hero. Tell What You Know!"

There are 3 essential elements and messages that we would like to set forth for this campaign:

1- I Am My Brother's Keeper. When someone in my group is not coming up to the standards of behavior, I am not afraid to check him and remind him that we are holding them/him or her accountable for their actions.

2- Crime Doesn't Get The Silent Treatment. Criminals have no heaven or respite in my environment and as a group we are not afraid. Multiple eyes are taking it all in with an intent to deliver information to the proper authorities at the proper time in order to help the community be a safer one. Each one is rewarded according to their open participation in assisting and serving their community.

3- Pastors, Churches, Community Organizations & Civil Organizations Will Support & Facilitate Community Heroes Efforts. Citizens standing to take their community back need support. We will commit to not leave neighborhoods, and individuals without support as they endeavor to stand and take their community bringing it back from the grip of crime and violence.

The Police department has heard the voice of the community. Their commitment to the safety and privacy of those submitting information has never been more strong. Like us, they want to save lives and help improve the quality of life for all of Peoria's citizens.

What We Must Do

I heard a conversation between a first grader and a fellow friend. The child was angry because his friend had told the teacher about his actions and how he had been hurt as a result. the offending child immediately responded by saying, "You're nothing but a tattle-tale, you little snitch!" The child who had been offended felt bad because now he had been given a label all because he was trying to keep from getting hurt further. in other words the message was that his pain was acceptable reality for someone's gain.  

THIS MUST STOP!

From a very early age, unwritten rules and codes of conduct are established and many of these rules only serve the most dominant and the most threatening or domineering personalities. Like the boy who was offended and let down emotionally, some feel out of place to speak up for themselves and for their community.

The Subculture Of Silence & Violence

The problem is even more pronounced because of efforts such as those by gansta-rappers and gang-members like Rodney Bethea who promoted the "Stop Snitchin" message through videos and using all star personalities like Denver Nuggets NBA All Star Carmelo Anthony. It was an effective approach and got the attention of the youth and the gang culture by the droves. At that time the purpose of the message was to reinforce the idea that the Police and authority weren't the friends of the community and that there would be strong retribution for those who "talk too much" pointing out drug dealers, gang leaders and other trouble makers.

Because of this type of message and a long history of community/police mistrust, the streets have almost clammed up tight with people who witness crime saying absolutely nothing in response to it.  The who thing has set a fear in the hearts and minds of many individuals and communities as a whole. Thus the problem is displayed, criminals seem to think that they will be able to get away with their actions because there community will remain silent about their activities.

We won't be silent anymore!

What You Can Do

First:

There is a Community Rally against crime and violence scheduled for June 27th 2010. "Don't Be A Zero, Be A Community Hero" is the theme. It will be held at the Neighborhood House in the parking lot area from 2-4:00 PM. Please plan to attend. Your participation is essential in sending the message that this is our community and we want it back.

Secondly:

I personally ask each of you to promote the Community Hero message to our youth and fellow citizens wherever they may be. We ask business owners to allow these flyer's to be visible in their places of business. We ask parents and community leaders to share and promote the message that speaking up is a good thing for the community and being silent is not being heroic. We would like everyone to promote the message that this is our community and we will not continue to surrender it to gangs, drugs, crime and violence.

In Addition:

You can ask your church and your pastor to be a part of this association, these community efforts and to unite to address issues of community need. Media can help promote and spread the Community Hero Campaign through PSA's and other forms of assisted advertising, and contributions can be given so that we can expand our efforts and flood the community with positive words, expressions and activities that we know change and save lives.

We need your financial contributions toward this effort and others:

As in The Peoria Gun Exchange Financial Contributions toward this effort are essential to it's success. Individuals considering offsetting the financial costs associated with this or any Pastors Assn. can send their contributions to:

New Bethel
Attn: Peoria Assn. Of Pastors
P.O. Box 6167
Peoria, IL. 61601
(Specify in the memo line what the contribution is for if you want to help support a specific effort.)

Also you may email me at Dunamis1@netzero.com or visit our Facebook Page for updates and announcements on community activities.This is the start of addressing crime and violence at the heart and center of the community's moral base, distilling stigmas against being a part of the solution. We will be a part of the solution and not the problem. Thank you.

Pastor H. Burnett

Exec. Director

Peoria Pastors Pray For Councilman's Speedy Recovery

Our prayers are extended to God for the speedy recovery of Peoria City Councilman George Jacob who was severely injured in a motorcycle accident on Sunday May 30th 2010.

Councilman Jacob has served the City in the capacity of at-large Councilman since 2005 and has been a part of many major council decisions. Mr. Jacob is also the president of Brewers Distributing, a facility employing over 100 persons and serving the area in beer and liquor distribution. Councilman Jacob also readily supported the first Peoria Gun-exchange held by the Peoria Pastors as well as contributed amounts both personally and on behalf of his business toward the community effort to combat handgun violence.  

There are many things that George does to help the community that are not normally broadcast. By his efforts a midnight basketball league exists that has helped many individuals gain direction in life, work through issues and find friends that they would not have found otherwise. In 2007, I had received numerous calls regarding the safety of a certain property on Peoria's southside. I had seen it for myself that there was a hole in the concrete large enough for a child to slip into and not be seen again. 

After a lunch, which I owe him in return, I asked Mr. Jacob to come with me to the location and see the problem. He did. He too was outraged that something could be left in such a shambles. In less than a week, under his pursuit and efforts, the home was torn down and the ground leveled for safety. Needless to say, that property no longer poses a safety hazard for our children and community. He also extended to me the opportunity to correspond directly with him regarding other situations if he could be of service. 

For those things we recognize Councilman Jacob, but we honor Councilman Jacob for his outstanding integrity, community service and just plainly being a great person!

Get Well My Friend!

Pastor H. Burnett

Exec. Director  

School Lunches. Have They Contributed To District 150's Suspension Rate?

(Pictured: Monday's 5/24 ground beef at PPD150)

In my initial post "Black Education In Peoria, We Are Under-served" I raised the issue of the minority suspension rate within Peoria Public School District 150. Remember that these were the District supplied facts and statistics that suggest that we have a problem:

For the school year 2008-2009 District 150 enrolled approximately 14,722 students.

• 
  
  Approximately 61.1% or about 8,995 of students were Black
• 
  
  In 2008-2009 school year there were approximately 7,189 out of school suspensions. This is a 48% overall suspension rate.
• 
  
  86% of all suspensions (6,206 suspensions) were incidents involving Black students.
• 
  
  A core of 2,567 Black students generated 6,206 suspensions mentioned above.
• 
  
  This means that the suspension rate of minority students (Black students) was 28.5%

Now the critic simply blames all of what we are experiencing upon the parents and rude children, but state wide, the minority suspension rate is up, which is quite an alarming trend. An April 2010 AP report by way of the Chicago Tribune, stated the following regarding the suspensions and expulsions of minority students in Illinois public schools:

— Suspensions of black students increased 75 percent from 1999-2008, while those of white students dropped five percent.

— In 2007-08, blacks accounted for 51 percent of all suspensions, even though they make up about one-fifth of the student enrollment. Whites accounted for 28 percent of the suspensions, although they make up nearly three-fifths of the enrollment.

— Expulsions of black students increased 56 percent from 1999-2008, while those of whites increased 16 percent.

— In 2007-08, blacks accounted for 48 percent of all expulsions, and whites accounted for 33 percent.

— Since 1989, suspensions have grown by 82 percent and expulsions by 171 percent, while the statewide school enrollment has increased 18 percent.

— It matters little where in the state students attend school — Chicago, suburbs, rural or urban areas, affluent or low-income. In all cases, blacks were disciplined at higher rates than whites, especially compared to their proportion of the enrollment

There is a higher disciplinary rate for Black students in Illinois. Now, unless one is willing to believe that the Black community from which these students are coming is just somehow letting down the standard of behavior and education out of hand, we should look at the factors that feed into these occurrences. In this article we will focus on one of them.  

Diet & Nutrition

(Pictured: Monday 5/24 1st tray of grease pulled off the ground beef that was fed to the students) 

 For sure there are many areas of concern and many moral and value issues must be addressed both within the family and amongst the teaching community. However, there is another issue, equally as important and impacting, that has been overlooked in traditional educational settings. School lunches and lunch programs have received much attention as of late. Most recently school board member Dr. Gorenz addressed school meals from the standpoint of providing healthy choices:

"From a medical standpoint, it would seem like we should at least have that discussion - that's one thing we do control and that's a huge amount of empty calories that we provide directly or indirectly to students," ~ Dr. D. Gorenz PJStar 5/11/10

What he failed to do however, was to make mention of the link between a quality meal and student behavior. We should ask that question for I believe it is fair when we look at District 150 suspension rate and numbers.

At first glance it may seem that meals at school have nothing or very little to do with behavioral problems at school. Quite the contrary is true. Current studies affirm that the quality of meals at schools directly effect child behavior, attention span, focus and all of the things that children need to have a successful educational day. This is one area that Peoria Public schools have failed to address when addressing student behavior. Are our children being malnourished at school?

In a school district with 61 to 62% Black students, it's no wonder that a good portion of those students either pay for or received the public school lunch and breakfast at a free or reduced cost. We believe that it is the obligation of District 150 to examine the scope, extent and the effects of the current lunch program upon the students.

As stated above, current statistics identify that approximately 2,567 students generated about 6,206 suspensions. Exact data of how many students are on a free or reduced lunch program are out at the present but it is easy to imagine that there are at least 2,500 to 3,000 students on the program. In other words there are many students on the program and complaints regarding the quality of the meals abound. Here is recent information that we have received from various sources regarding the lunch program as currently administered 

• 
  
  In Feb. 2010 after being audited, the food vendor, Chartwells, gave instructions to increase portion size on their meals because the children were being under-served. How long they had been under serving the children went without note.
• 
  
  Until approximately March 2010 the cheese that was delivered by Chartwells to the cafeterias to provide sandwiches for students who either didn't have a lunch or couldn't afford a lunch had ZERO nutritional value in ALL nutritional value categories. Once again, the modification has been recent to an alternate type and brand of cheese. 
• 
  
  Chartwells seems to have a food delivery plan that offers different quality lunch and meals to different size and types of schools. The public school system seems to receive a lower quality meal than other types of schools. 
• 
  
  Lunch participation and purchase at many schools has decreased dramatically and lots of food is being thrown away because it is either cold, unprepared (even when prepared according to standards) or of poor quality. 
• 
  
  As pictured above, the grease contained within the ground beef used to prepare various dishes is excessive and of low quality.
• 
  
  According to the menu, every Wednesday is breakfast for lunch day. This usually consists of 2 small sausages, 2 small pancakes, and fruit and a drink. After having observed the children eat the lunch for myself, it's no wonder there are problems after lunch almost every day.      

Example Of A Change:

This situation is by no means hopeless. In Appleton, WI a change in the lunch was made and a total change in student behavior was observed almost immediately. The following PDF is a case study on what happened in Appleton and why Peoria Public Schools should do a study on what it would take to do the same. The question is do they have the will to do the same?

Appleton WI, cast study on education and the student behavioral modification from changing to an adequate lunch program

View more documents from PastorBurnett.

From the results of Appleton, WI, we can see that diet and exercise have a direct and positive effect on student behavior. This slight change of direction changed the plotted course of school performance and satisfaction for all students. We have an opportunity to do the same for our children.

A good lunch not only improves student behavior, potentially lowering school suspensions and expulsions, but also increases test scores. New York with over 1 Million students saw a dramatic increase in test scores when the school lunch program was modified and upgraded to provide nutritional and desirable lunches.

This is one step among many that can be done. However, with that said we must ask the following questions: 

• 
  
  Has District 150 seriously considered the effects of school lunch on child behavior?
• 
  
  Has District 150 have an action plan to address the disparity of suspensions among minority children?
• 
  
  Does District 150 have the will to study and address this issue and give a definitive and educated answer to their current and future position on the issue?

This is over a $3 Million per year industry in Peoria. The true costs are measured in the educational experiences of District 150 children and the perception of families both inside and outside of the District. With so much at stake, District 150 cannot sit silently on this issue. I for one do not plan to allow them to simply skirt by. There are over 14,000 reasons for my participation and 2 of them are at the top of that list.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Exec. Director

References:

Presentation: http://www.school-lunch.org/SCHOOLS/intro.html

Diet and nutrition related to learning ability: http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/28

The science behind feeding the brain: http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t040400.asp#T040410

Nutrition behavior and learning: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/AboutLunch/ProgramHistory_8.htm#Nutrition

Theodore E. TePas, MD: http://www.nutrition4health.org/NOHAnews/NNSp03TePas.htm

What Is The Real Measure Of 500 Feet?

Peoria Pastors Join Riverside Community Church In Raising Concerns Over Big Al's Relocation

In a Tuesday May 25th article in the Peoria Journal Star, Riverside Community Church (Pastor John King) voiced their concern over an ordinance that the City Of Peoria either wasn't aware of or simply didn't care about violating as it pertains to the relocation of a Peoria strip-club. The disagreement may put the brakes on a $102 million hotel development project.

The controversy centers around Big Al's strip club and it's proposed new proximity to Riverside Church. Depending upon how it is measured, Riverside's facilities would be approximately 380 feet away from the proposed relocation site of Big Al's. This is problematic as the ordinance calls for an adult use establishment to remain a minimum distance of 500 feet from a church, school or other adult use establishment and 700 feet from any residentially zoned properties.

Up until Riverside voiced their concern, it seemed that noone stopped to consider what Big Al's relocation would mean to adjacent businesses or organizations. Part of that was probably due to the fact that Big Al's is close to a church already and another part may stem from an unsuccessful case that was tried and lost to Elliott's strip-club in North Peoria. At either rate it seemed that the council had "tunnel vision" with little discussion for a standing city ordinance and how that would relate to Riverside church. Riverside is a visible and valuable asset to the Peoria Community. Riverside Community Church adds significant value to the residents of Peoria, IL. and has been used for many public event which the city has endorsed.

Riverside's website states the following:

"Since arriving in the City of Peoria, Riverside has renovated two rapidly deteriorating landmark buildings within the city, and in doing so has invested $4.5 million in these buildings with no monetary support from the government. Riverside invests over $200,000 annually on programs that directly benefit the inner-city of Peoria. Through our Dream Center Peoria programs over the last eight years we have provided 14,000 backpacks with school supplies to kids in need, and this year we are introducing a program for school kids’ uniforms. We help over 500 families a month with clothing, food, household goods and furniture. Our state of the art youth facility provides a safe environment for kids in the city to flourish and find refuge from the streets. Our AOK events mobilize volunteers from over 10 churches to impact 10 targeted areas of the city through acts of service on a Saturday, every other month. And from fall to spring each year more than 250 kids and youth participate in DCP athletics. In addition, Riverside invests over a million dollars annually into the local economy.

I have written to all of our city council members. In the letter I stated, “The reasons the original ordinance was passed are the same reasons we appeal to you to vote for the upholding of the said ordinance - the safe guarding of women, youth and children within the vicinity. Please, this must be your main concern, as it is ours. We want to appeal to you as the representative of the people to please vote to uphold the law - the original ordinance.”

Black Education In Peoria...We Are Under-served

Sad Results Of A Peculiar Condition

According to a 2003 informational release by the US Justice Dept.

• 
  
  10.4% of the entire African American population aged 25 to 29 was incarcerated. By comparison 2.4% of Hispanic men and 1.2% of white men in the same age group suffered the same fate.
• 
  
  US prison population surpassed 2 million for the first time and since 1990 has doubled in size.
• 
  
  10,000 inmates under age 18 are held in adult prisons and jails in 2002
• 
  
  Women in federal prison reached 97,491
• 
  
  In 2000, 791,600 black men were in prison while only 463,700 were enrolled in college nationwide. 

According to a 2008 report from the Justice Policy Institute

• 
  
  3,161 African-Americans per 100,000 were under the custody or care of federal or state penile system, this compares to 1,200 per 100,000 Hispanics and 487 per 100,000 whites. This means that black men in the United States are 6.5 times more likely to be in prison than white men and that Hispanics are 2.5 times more likely to be in prison than white men.  

These numbers are astounding and only tell part of the story. One could question how education could be associated with these sort of results. Although these numbers don't tell a simple story, education, and lack of educational opportunities, even  if that means squandered educational opportunities, have contributed to many of the current trends that we see in crime and the sheer incarceration numbers that we find within the black community in general. Although in many cases the table of justice has been slanted against the poor and minority, the inability to secure and experience a quality education cannot go without examination.

Access to education and a solid educational experience is a must in order to create and facilitate change within society. Across the nation, Black students tend to be suspended at much higher rates than students of other races or ethnicities (Hoffman, Llagas, & Snyder, 2003). Based on what we know and what we are currently experiencing we must hold Peoria District 150 accountable and we must hold the results of the educational experience of the black and minority community under greater scrutiny.

Peoria Dist. 150 Black Student Suspension Rate:

Here is why we are concerned:

• 
  
  For the school year 2008-2009 district 150 enrolled approximately 14,722 students.
• 
  
  Approximately 61.1% or about 8,995 of students were Black
• 
  
  In 2008-2009 school year there were approximately 7,189 out of school suspensions. This is a 48% overall suspension rate.
• 
  
  86% of all suspensions (6,206 suspensions) were incidents involving Black students. 
• 
  
  A core of 2,567 Black students generated 6,206 suspensions mentioned above. 
• 
  
  This means that the suspension rate of minority students (Black students) was 28.5% 

God Can Restore Our Streets But We Must Not Give Up!

This is an example of what the Lord can do in our streets. This effort may take one person at a time to reach just one more, but it can be done and we are situated to do it.

When Values Change

When values change the priorities of indivuals change, the effects are immediately felt within the community. If indivuals don't value life or have purpose they cannot contribute to the community of those who have the value for life, living and the community.

Community groups, individuals and businesses can be a part of facilitating the change that is so desperately needed. Churches are an essential part to providing neighborhood stability, accountability and services that address the spiritual and emotional needs of community members. In partnership, I believe that there can be a fundamental change in the results that we are seeing at street level.

This is not a top down effort. This is a community wode effort and your help is essential to this process. Please join us on Facebook for updates and community plans.

Together, and with the help of the Lord, I believe that we can do what concealed carry and increased police presence cannot do. Stay tuned!

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Anti-"Stop Snitchin" Campaign

WARNING!

The following video uses offensive language and is in general quite offensive and valueless in it's message. Why do we post such a video? This video signifies the cultural and moral value breakdown that has occurred among many of our youth. It is sentiments like this that facilitate a high murder rate within the inner city especially among young black men who have faced the brunt of this pain.

We will rise to address this issue by asking the Peoria community to develop an "anti-no snitch" campaign. As stated we ask for the assistance of the WHOLE community, not just parts of it. Please join our Facebook Page for current event updates as we add additional information on this project. Thank you for for being able to see the forest and not just the trees and also for your continued support.

 

Pastor Harvey Burnett

A Community Call To What???

Did Our Mayor Exclude Community Leaders?

Was It In Order To Score Political Points?

Many of you reading this will automatically experience a knee-jerk reaction. I only ask that you read on as I place a context with the question.

On Saturday Feb. 13th 2010 Peoria's Mayor Jim Ardis along with State Representative Jehan Gordon and Senator Dave Koehler are sponsoring a Community Call To Action to uncover and develop new strategies in dealing with crime and violence in the Peoria area. If that were all there was to the strory, that would be a good thing, but as usual, it's not all.

Let's Go Back:

On Thursday Feb. 12th 2009 after the murder of Mario McGee, I and the Pastor's Association called a Community Call To Action at the Higher Dimensions Church (Pastor Bob Randle). This meeting was attended by over some 40 indivuduals representing various church groups and concerned citizens. We talked about the conditions of the city and made our best efforts to commit to strategize to change things at a grass roots level. We discussed gangs and their influence and how we as community groups and concerned citizens can change our community together.

Before I go into the heart of the matter and my concern as expressed to Mayor Ardis regarding the Feb. 13th event, I must lay some ground work so that the reader, even those critical or misinformed regarding my statements, can get a grasp on my concern.

These Are The Facts:

1- On Tue Jan 5th 2010 at 1:55 PM,  I contacted the Mayor's office with the following email:

Mayor,

God bless and Happy New Year!

Can we get together at your earliest opportunity. I have some ideas I'd like to share and some things I need your help with as it pertains to the community. Thanks.

2- The Mayor responded to my request on Tue. Jan 5th at 3:15 PM with the following email:

Rev Burnett

I have asked Kristie to try and confirm some times/dates that will work for you so we can get together and talk. I have to tell you that I find it difficult to come in on the discussion after the press conference/photo-ops have taken place but I will continue to try and get together asap. We need to communicate better I guess. I look forward to our meeting.

ja (emphasis added)

My request to the Mayor took place around the same time that we conducted a community prayer vigil for the last (17th) murder victim of 2009, Diondre Nunn. The best I can figure is that the Mayor had seen me on TV along with the family carrying on this vigil. That was the context in which I greeted his statements. This led to the following response by me:

3- I responded to the Mayor's previous email on Tue. Jan 5th 2010 at 3:42 PM with the following email:

Mr. Mayor,

Thanks for the response, but I am at a complete loss regarding it. To hear you say things like"photo-ops"/ "press conference" concerning anything that I would like to discuss or even recently discussed is baffling. Please expound on your concern regarding this matter, if you would.

I had also wanted to meet with Jim Mont.., Eric Turner, and Clyde Gully to go over some new ideas but I think a private meeting may be best for you and I so that we can be as specific as necessary. I appreciate it. Thanks again.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

"I Am My Brother's Keeper" Peoria, IL 2010 Safe Community Campaign

Citizens and community groups of Peoria, Illinois have an opportunity to join themselves in the cause of making and creating a safer community.

In order to spread the word on events more quickly, we have opened a Facebook page as an informational exchange for pastors, churches and community leaders who will avail themselves to that specific cause. (Please sign up for that page if you are a member of Facebook) This site is to set forth strategies and community services to address the declining morality among our youth, violence and violent activities within the community, drug proliferation and the problems associated with it at a grass roots level. We also want to rise as a community to address gangs and gang related issues as a solid and cohesive body of citizens and community groups.

We are our brother's keepers and the avenue fit for community restoration. In 2010 we plan to begin a new mission of joint service and ego-effacing community involvement to tangibly address the problems that we face.

 

This is what we intend to do:

 

Section I

 

Development Of A Community Action Plan

 

One of the essential elements in this venture is the establishment of what I call a "Community Action Plan". A Community Action Plan is a preemptive measure designed to address issues within various sections of our community and focus specific attention on the areas experiencing the most devastating troubles.

The development of this plan involves serious and dedicated participation of 4 groups:

1- The churches located within the problem areas

2- The neighborhood associations

3- Peoria, Illinois citizens (and others wishing to assist)

4- Business organizations and entities which operate within the effected areas.

Until now, the inner city community, and black community in particular, has never developed a plan for in and of itself. This is part of the problem. A community with no vision for itself and an underestimation of the value of its component parts will remain underserved. It's time for all that to change.

Although an appropriate plan has many essential pieces, community safety is the first area to address especially due to what we've all witnessed in 2009.

A safe community includes a reaffirming and building up of social and moral values, family and social standards, gaining increased accountability from social organizations, businesses and financial institutions that operate within the community, and encouraging greater accountability from governmental agencies such as the City Police, City Council and City Licensing Committees.

Warning: This will not be another Peoria "window dress" operation. One that looks good, feels good but yields no results. Our aim is to actually place some effort and action behind our faith and hopes.

Since the church is such a vital part of this transformation, definitive actions will be a measure of our joint success. I encourage each individual to challenge their pastor and spiritual leader to be involved. Participation in the Pastor's Association, although encouraged, IS NOT essential to any church, pastor, or leader's participation.

All hands on deck!

 

Section II:

 

Values Transfer

 

In 2010 I will do my best to encourage the model of morality transfer that is rooted in African American and ANE (Ancient Near Eastern) cultures. This model is somewhat different than the model we have become accustomed to in western society however this model is highly effective and still in operation in may homes and families today, albeit not nearly enough.

1- Value Transfer Through The Elders & Community Leaders

In western society all it takes for one to teach and instruct others is a certain accreditation or certification usually given by others. In ANE cultures teaching and value transfer was done by a specific group of people with not only knowledge, but also experience, who were charged to preserve the culture and transfer information accurately and intensely.

Biblically, Paul speaks of this same method of information transfer in I Cor. 11:23 stating that which he had "received" of the Lord he also "delivered". Dr. Richard Bauckham in his ground breaking work 'Jesus & The Eyewitnesses' [Eerdmans 2006], reveals the terminology and usages of those particular words, claiming that these inflections indicated a student/teacher or owner/apprentice type of relationship that facilitated careful transmission of certain facts, guarded over by meticulous attention to detail. This type of information transfer was essential to preserve culture, message, meaning and overall purpose.

In other words there was a certain qualification of standards for information transfer from the transferor to the transferee. The transferor had to be qualified by experience and full knowledge of the subject matter and the transferee had to be equally able and ready to receive such information transfer reciting it properly and in context.

We do not use this method today on a wide scale and our community suffers as a result. Example, how many of us are yet blessed to cherish the words of senior members of our families? Do we not pay special attention to them and what they say to us on special occasions and holidays? Some of us may not have that experience, but others know that the experience and wisdom of our elders can be a very good teacher when that experience and wisdom is sound, has endured the test of time and right.

This is the model is not dependent upon the aged of the individuals transferring values, but it is dependent upon the integrity and wisdom of those that do.

2- Value Transfer Within The Context Of Group & Community

Building upon principle #1 we also find that values transferred with a group setting were values that are immediately made accountable.

In other words, in a private setting no one but the teacher and the student may know the information transferred or the expectation as a result of what is said. However, in the group setting, expectations are delivered publicly and a system of accountability, measurement and monitoring is immediately set in place.

Not only is public accountability is essential, but public pulse is essential and is a must. The status and health of the community assessed by the community itself, further breeds a sense of community and allows individuals to come away with common concerns and remedies to common and sometimes previously otherwise unknown problems. In a word, it's communication and a flow of information on a regular basis within the community.

3- Where Do I Come In?

You are essential to the operation of the complete plan. Each community member brings certain talents and experiences to the table and certain unique knowledge of their particular neighborhood to light.

Because of the uniqueness of each individual and diversity of gifts from neighborhood to neighborhood, there are certain opportunities to inject life, health and direction into what was otherwise dead and lifeless situations. You are essential to that purpose.

Closing Word:

We cannot afford to believe that a "star minister", "ministry" or "charismatic personality" will address the multiple issue that must be addressed within our community and deliver the value statements that we must encourage our children to grasp on their own and by their own accord. Frankly, this work encompasses one individual and needs ownership of the community and not a single individual.

Under President Bill Clinton, then First Lady Hillary Clinton, produced a book and delivered the ancient African proverb that "it takes a village to raise a child". This saying originated from the Nigerian Igbo culture and proverb "Ora na azu nwa" which means it takes the community/village to raise a child.

I pose that it will take a community/village to build a city. The efforts of our city leaders, though commendable are not able to take full effect for all of us until we begin to build together.

Pastor Harvey Burnett

Exec Driector Peoria Assn. Of Pastors

C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Reaches Out To Peoria Pastors

The group called CHOICES Youth Outreach founded by Peoria's own Carl Cannon, recently contacted the Pastor's Association to ask us to partnership and take over certain aspects of the Peoria prayer vigils that have previously been coordinated through Mr. Cannon's office.

It is yet and unfortunate situation that there are families suffering as a result of the murder of loved ones. The most recent death of Eric Donelson marks Peoria's 6th homicide of 2009. Peoria has not experienced murder at this pace in the last 2 years. This is yet another reminder of the work that must be done to make the community a safer one for all citizens.

We will be providing our services in support of the family and the community for all future homicides within the community. The pastoral community is an essential part of the psychological and spiritual wellbeing of the community. Our unique ability to be able to provide support as well as bridge gaps is a necessary element to adequately addressing the needs of families in these type of situations.

The loss of a loved one is never welcomed. As pastors we are fit to place the proper perspective on these type of occurances as well as network within the community to possibly help prevent future crimes resulting in murders.

Please join the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors in this effort. The next prayer vigil will be held as a result of the murder of Eric Donelson Friday August 7th, 2009 at 1512 W. Margaret Ave. The event will begin promptly at 6:00 PM and end at 6:30 PM. Community participation in this and future events is appreciated.

The following is the announcement of this event:

On July 31, 2009, Eric Donelson was found dead in his home from multiple gunshot wounds.

Please join us in our effort to say to those who perpetrated this type of crime, “We will not tolerate it, and justice will be served.”

The Peoria Association of Pastors, led by Harvey Burnett in partnership with C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Youth Outreach, Police, City of Peoria staff, and other community groups have organized a CEASEFIRE –like rally. We need you to stand with us at the site of Eric’s death to show respect for the life that was senselessly taken, reaching out to young people who are prisoners of the criminal code of the streets.
Need more information? Call 589.5923

Association Director To Speak

Supt. Harvey Burnett Exec. Director of the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors and Pastor Of The New Bethel Church Of God In Christ, will be speaking Thursday evening July 16th at the Morton Square Park at 6:00 PM.

It was 2 years ago that the Pastor's Assn. sponsored it's historic march and prayer rally from Peoria's City Hall to Morton Square Park. Since then crime stats in the Peoria area have been at all time lows, and community groups have participated in assisting citizens at every level within the community. Recently peace and safety has been threatened by a resurgence in the murder rate and enhanced crime statistics. Much of this has been blamed on the current economic crisis. In addition, the Mayor has recently promoted "Concealed Carry" as a proper response to crime with no or little regard to statistical information outside of the gun lobby. Pastor Burnett plans to address this issue, speak a gospel message and much more during this event.

The event is sponsered by the Resurrection Power Church Of God In Christ (Pastor Odell Dye) located at 2500 N.E. Madison, and is part of their evangelist outreach ministries. Everyone is invited to participate and attend.

Financial Stress ~ The F.I.T. Project Is For You

ARE YOU FINDING THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE FACING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES? PERHAPS YOU’VE LOST YOUR JOB OR NEED INFORMATION ON AVOIDING FORECLOSURE.

Then THE F.I.T. PROJECT is for you!!

(Families and Individuals in Transition)

When: Friday, July 24, 2009

Where: Illinois Central College (ICC) North Campus (Birch Hall) 5407 N. University Peoria, IL

Registrations Begins 9:30 a.m.

Workshops 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Topics To Be Discussed: Avoiding Foreclosure, Money Management, Job Market Research, Tax Law Changes on Unemployment Compensation and Debt Forgiveness, Career Counseling and other related topics

Information Booths 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Participating Organizations FICRAC, IRS and other Federal, State and Local Representatives

If you have questions or need additional information please call (312) 566-3339.

Community Service~YES! Concealed Carry-NO!

In recent times Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis has openly spoken that he believed "concealed carry" would be a desirable and viable option to help make the Peoria community a better and safer one. he has further stated that he would like to see the Peoria community become a "test area" for the concealed carry concept as legislators in Springfield review and debate the issue.

Although we acknowledge the difficulties with crime due to the seeming moral decline that our nation in general has experienced, we also believe that the only way to fix and appropriately address the problem, as has been proven in Peoria, is through ego effacing governmental collaboration with the community and consistent support to groups who are engaged in effective community service.

This Issue Is Not To Be Confused With The Constitutional Right To Bear Arms

Concealed carry should not be confused with the rights of citizens to bear arms, however, we do not believe under any interpretation of the Constitution that there is a citizens right to vigilantism or the execution of justice outside of the rule of law. Placing weapons in the hands of the citizens with the express purpose of deterring crime is nothing short of posturing (which may get someone killed) and encouragement of the citizens to use subjective interpretations of events or threats in public which may result in even greater tragedies and loss of life.

Using One Statistic For Example:

The Murder Rate for example: According to Peoria Police Department Statistics, the murder rate in 2006 was 17. The murder rate in 2007 was 16. In June of 2007 the Peoria Association Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal sponsored a community rally and prayer event, asking God for intervention and calling individuals and organizations to higher levels of community service. Shortly thereafter we also sponsored the first gun exchange event addressing the issue of crime and illegal gun use. Before the June event and rally, there were 12 murders in Peoria. From that time until June of 2009 there have only been 15 total murders in the city. In other words, the murder rate over the last 2 years since June 2007 has been LESS than the murder rate that was experienced in both 2006 and 2007.

What Do These Simple Facts Say?

During this same period of time that the murder rate was decreasing and crime was low, there was a notable amount of community service that was taking place not only through our organization but through other grass roots organizations in the city. There was community engagement from the Police and City to organizations that wanted change and were willing to stand for change. The numbers reflect, except for certain statistics in 2009, that community engagement worked and deterred crime in greater percentages than "concealed carry" does anywhere that "concealed carry" is currently allowed.

Forms Of Community Engagement

Over the last 2 year period, community engagement has taken place in the form of prayer, assistance within the Peoria Public Schools, the development of ELITE under Mr. Carl Cannon and other events that placed people in front of other people asking them to become involved in the concerns of others and holding everyone to higher standards of accountability. Results have been achieved without asking any individuals to carry guns, or weapons of any kind, and without asking individuals to take the posture outside of the rule of law in the mode of self-defense. Because we know there is a more effective way to address the issues that Peoria must address we view concealed carry as simply an unnecessary and sensational "wild-west" citizen's policing initiative that will only make things worse for all citizens and especially for the least among us.

And What Of Our Top Cops?

What is especially surprising is that the top law enforcement officials in Peoria and Peoria County, Peoria Police Chief Settingsgaard and Peoria County Sheriff McCoy, are also in favor of concealed carry under the guise that criminals knowing that others have guns will be deterred from committing crime. I would address this issue by saying that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that a criminal very seldom acts rationally and knowing that they they will be caught is usually a risk that the serious offender is willing to take in effort to get what he/she wants.

In fact, it is reported by the Peoria Police Department Statistics that the repeat offender commits crime at greater rates than the new offender (someone who commits crime for the first time or who hasn't previously been caught) Example: In 2008, there were 1,985 new offenders entering the system, while there were 7,408 repeat offenders that got caught AGAIN for committing a crime. Knowing these statistics, that criminals who've been caught are NOT afraid to be caught again, we are at serious odds with Police leaders who suggest that the only way to deal with community crime is to "quasi-deputize" its citizens and symbolically pour gasoline on top of an already burning fire. In addition to this, the fine officers that worked with our association during the Peoria Gun Exchange, expressed the difficulty of engaging the community when concealed weapons are involved.

Why does our City Government and Police force not recognize and support the goal of reducing crime by dealing more effectively with known criminals and by assisting and promoting decreased recidivism rates? Why, are the citizens asked to respond to predictable problems that the City is not effectively addressing? The suggestions from our law enforcement officials promotes is antiquated and creates an environment of contention that Peoria does not need to see in the 21st Century.

What Has Been Said

It has been said that Peoria has a Cease Fire "look-alike" program, but where is it at and what has it done? The cease Fire program was designed originally to deal with youth crime and violence and work in conjunction with the city and community groups in addressing and solving issues of crime. We know that a program was ceded to the Community Action Agency, but where is it now, and what is it doing? The City has seemingly casually waived its hand at the distress of the citizens posturing but delivering no results.

The true results by numbers have come from organizations and individuals that have labored to address issues of crime, liquor and drug proliferation, which is a background for many of the problems we experience, and facilitators to the decline of social and moral values that we all witness within the community. Thank God For the ELITE youth. Heritage Days was assisted and made a peaceful event AGAIN not by guns or "concealed carry "but by community workers and people willing to engage the problems head on.

Conclusion:

We find no justification for concealed carry in the least bit in Peoria. We do find however that there is much room for the City, and law enforcement, to engage with the citizenry of Peoria in establishing lasting bonds of community involvement and open dialogue and ACTIONS pursuant to requests. We also clearly see the need for organizations and people to be actively involved in bringing and supporting change. Involvement and concern has been proven to be the best thing that the community can do to deal with crime in the area. Concealed carry is an inhibitor to peace for ALL individuals within the community.

I guess in the Mayor has his way, the new saying in attracting events and businesses to the community will be "Peoria City Beautiful, BYOG (Bring Your Own Gun !). God forbid!

Pastor Harvey Burnett ~ Exec. Director