News from Detroit, MI

On a surprisingly warm Michigan evening on Detroit’s eastside, 27 youth, ages six through 18 gathered at newly restored Beland-Manning Park. Darkness was chasing away the sunlight as little children eagerly climbed the playscape and screamed with delight. They were playing in their new park! Several of the older teens smiled with pride. They were among many volunteers who restored the park during the summer. A van from Detroit’s WXYZ/Channel 7 News parked and a news reporter and cameraman got out to interview and videotape the youth as they played. Two years ago, the park was a wasteland with high grass and litter. Little children were discouraged from playing in the area. The youth of Neighborhood Service Organization’s Youth Initiatives Project (YIP) along with other volunteers decided to help fix up the park to improve the community. On this day, however, they decided to also have a candlelight vigil to honor those who lost their lives to gun violence. They called their younger peers to their small circle and passed out candles to everyone. The younger children were placed in the middle of the circle. Prayers and comments were made for fathers, uncles, brothers, sisters, mothers and close friends. Too many victims were named. Yet, the park symbolized renewal to all. The reporter and camerman were moved. That’s the reaction the youth wanted.

View the story by WXYZ-TV by clicking here.