Tulsa World: Non-violence pledge urged for MLK day

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Non-violence pledge urged for MLK day

By Associated Press
Published: 1/17/2008 9:44 AM
Last Modified: 1/17/2008 9:44 AM

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Religious leaders are asking gang members and others to put down their weapons and sign a nonviolence pledge in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

A rally and formal announcement of the effort is planned at Douglass High School on Monday, the King holiday. Young people will be asked to consider a "Freedom of Choice" pledge to resist all violence and other negative behaviors for at least 40 days.

"Dealing with these social issues is a great way to pay tribute to Dr. King," said Marsha Beatty, local initiative coordinator and St. John Missionary Baptist Church communication director.

The pledge is also in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the slain civil rights leader's death and is backed by the National Alliance of Faith and Justice. Major tenets of the pledge are:

-- Stop fighting.

-- Put down weapons.

-- Cease disruptive behavior.

-- Vigorously pursue education.

Students at St. John Christian Heritage Academy and Martin Luther King Elementary, along with Douglass students, initially will be asked to participate in the pledge, Beatty said.

She said the initiative is one way to combat the disproportionate number of black youths involved in the child welfare and criminal justice systems.

Gang members will be encouraged to take the pledge during the "Silence the Violence" Gang Summit at St. John, said the Rev. Theodis Manning, pastor of Midwest City-based Divine Wisdom T.A.S.K. gang ministry.

Manning and Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater announced last summer their partnership to combat gang violence.

The summit is planned for Saturday in cooperation with the gang ministry. Manning also will introduce information on a citywide weapons roundup. He said he would like to work with law enforcement agencies to schedule it for sometime between May and June.

Like Beatty, Manning said the King holiday is a great time for such an effort.

"Even the young kids know who Martin Luther King Jr. is, and we thought that would be a good platform to go out into the neighborhoods, particularly to the gang set, to promote the 40 days of nonviolence," Manning said.

"They respect Dr. King enough that I believe they will put forth a good effort to not get caught up in violent activities. It's perfect timing." By Associated Press

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