By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-837571.mp3
New Orleans, La. –
The meeting in a high school auditorium was called by the Reverend John Raphael of the New Hope Baptist Church. The former police officer is known for calling on the African-American community to work together to stop violence, especially involving youth. His Yes We Care anti-violence coalition arranged the meeting before the weekend killings of an elderly pastor and his wife, and the next day -- a 13-year-old boy. Raphael said the turnout alone is an encouraging sign.
Speakers suggested that neighbors help each other, especially families with children at risk of getting involved with guns and drugs. In the audience was District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, who says residents must also work with police and prosecutors. Several people later signed up with mentoring programs and other outreach organizations. For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming.