NEWBURGH – City of Newburgh residents are calling for an end to gun violence and demanding peace.
After multiple shooting incidents this past week, including one in which four teens were wounded, a rally was held Tuesday evening on Broadway.
Nickey Boykin, a mother and long-time resident of Newburgh feels crime is getting worse and residents need to “police the community.”
Turnout was low, but Boykin attributed that to residents afraid to come out at night.
Also in attendance was Pastor Dhasan McComb, who said “the violence is heartbreaking.” He spent the summer walking the city spreading the message of peace and felt “more resources are needed for the city youth,” which will reduce crime.
“I used to be a big-time drug dealer in the City of Kingston and me, I went a different path – I gave my life to God. That was my way out, but there are other ways out,” he said. “I think we need to create jobs. I think because of the family home, the family dynamic, that’s why the kids are doing what they are doing. There are not enough resources coming to the home. Other ways out for kids are careers – there is engineering, become a policeman. If I made it out, you can make it out.”
Boykin said City of Newburgh officials “need to do more and community members need to come together to help police the community.
