John "JY" Young is a founder of Men United Against Violence (MUAV), which is headquartered in Mobile. On Wednesday at a West Mobile Republican Women's Club meeting, the long-time Mobile police sergeant boldly called for "a return to what worked, historically and statistically."
Young spoke to a packed house, outlining what his group is doing to combat increased crime in Alabama — and anywhere else that will learn and apply his old-school principles.
"The Lord put this on my heart."
He and others started the citizens' anti-crime, pro-family mission after an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old were killed.
MUAV has three entry requirements: "Love your God, love your family and love your city."
Young's prescription for reduced crime includes steps that call for "a return to what we know statistically worked."
Kids raised by both parents. "Kids raised by both parents have less suicide, inappropriate relationships and crime."
Getting back to the book – the Bible. "The Bible is never wrong; we are."
Strengthen the family. "The devil broke down the family."
Eliminate vile rap music. "…vulgar, foul, degenerate language."
Return strict discipline. "Not just time outs and taking away video games. The strap."
Return to bold, strong men.
Return to moms raising their children.
His speech sounded less like a law enforcement officer, not at all like a politician and more like a preacher before a congregation of concerned parents and grandparents. He had a text for his "sermon" — Proverbs 22, emphasizing verses 1, 11, 15, 16 and 24. Young did most things a worship service would do, except he never broke out singing, "Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world."
Young and the group have a highly visible project right now – a billboard showcasing the names of youths killed by violent crimes in Mobile.
"Remember Their Names," the billboard states. "Ahmond, 17; Cailee, 9; Ciara, 14; Jakobi, 16; Laquinten, 11."
The billboard is posted at the busy intersection of Spring Hill Avenue and U.S. Highway 98, a confluence of traffic from black and white communities.
Young said he wanted the innocent victims to be remembered.
The idea to display the names of the juvenile victims came from FM Talk 106.5 talk host and MUAV member Sean Sullivan.
The billboard will be displayed until November 24.
"The more fathers and mothers can do, the less government involvement is needed." — Sgt. John JY Young
Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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