This weekend, an organization started by a Mobile police officer is hosting a rally supporting the nuclear family.
Sgt. John Young formed Men United Against Violence Mobile last year following the shooting deaths of a 13-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy. At the time, Young said he wanted to do all he could to end violence in his city.
"One part of the problem that we realized wasn't being addressed was the breakdown of the home," Young told 1819 News.
Young believes that fathers staying with their kids and raising them from within the home will decrease all crimes. The rally on Saturday is meant to raise awareness of that need and inspire change.
"We are encouraging men and women, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives to stand shoulder to shoulder and arm and arm as an example to all of Mobile what a family should look like and as a testimony to our commitment to making our city safer," Young added. "Men do a better job leading by example. It's a tall order, and it will take a long time to correct the problem in the community."
Young has been calling for the restoration of family values and has even held a funeral for the "n-word." He said, so far, the reaction from the community has been mostly positive.
"Everyone knows that strong families decrease crime and violence," Young said. "Everyone knows that. Anyone who has an argument is arguing against nature. If everyone else can have a day and a march and a rally, we are saying we are doing this for a positive difference and for families."
The event will be on Saturday starting at 8 a.m. in downtown Mobile. Participants are asked to meet at the corner of St. Francis Street and Conception Street. The group will walk to Mardis Gras Park.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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