SILENCE THE VIOLENCE DAY We, the Undersigned, call on Charlotte City Council to pass the following resolution to declare several Silence the Violence initiatives in Charlotte NC for 2007. WHEREAS, Ketchmore Kids is a non-profit dedicated to using hip-hop to bring about positive social change, including the alleviation of violence, which directly affects youth, families and communities in detrimental ways. WHEREAS, According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, there were 7, 933 violent crimes committed in the city of Charlotte, NC in 2005, including 3, 649 robberies and 3,876 aggravated assaults; current statistics have not yet been compiled. WHEREAS, The rise in gang membership and gang activity has, and will continue to, impact the violent crimes committed in Charlotte, NC. WHEREAS, Ketchmore Kids is committed to forging an alliance with Gang of One, and other organizations, in order to combat the rise in gang membership and gang activity in Charlotte, NC, thus decreasing violent crimes. WHEREAS, On a daily basis, local media outlets are saturated with reports of violent crimes that occur in Charlotte, NC. WHEREAS, Many violent crimes that take place in Charlotte, NC go unreported. WHEREAS, The violent crimes that occur in Charlotte, NC place strains on physical, financial, and other resources of the city. WHEREAS, Ketchmore Kids routinely works with demographic populations that are disproportionately affected by violent crimes. WHEREAS, A goal of Ketchmore Kids is to decrease the homicide rate and empower young people to speak as voices for peace. We need a culture of peace and prosperity in the Charlotte Area; Young people will create it. WHEREAS, Ketchmore Kids Silence the Violence initiative employs an innovative mix of public education, cultural ventures, hip-hop and policy work in partnership with community allies. Therefore, be it resolved, that any serious effort to decrease violent crimes in 2007, and subsequent years, must be compounded with a commitment to unite the citizens of Charlotte, NC for a Silence the Violence Day in 2007. Be it also resolved, hat by maximizing public participation, including public involvement in Silence the Violence Day, Councilpeople will be further doing their part to usher in a new year with less violence in Charlotte, NC. Be it finally resolved, that Councilpeople

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