People Against Violence Enterprises coordinated a back-to-school event Saturday, giving away 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.
The 2016 Stop the Violence/Back to School Rally took place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Santa Fe College Gymnasium. Local businesses and organizations sponsored the rally with the theme “Kids in Crisis… We Got Your Back!”
The keynote speaker was Darius McCrary, an actor known for his role of Eddie Winslow on the television show “Family Matters.” He shared tips to prevent violence in the community.
“I want to communicate to kids that we are one,” he said. “They need to understand the importance of the commitment that (adults) have to their future.”
McCrary described those committed to students’ futures as “the pillars of community.” He organized these pillars into three branches: parents, teachers, and police officers and law enforcement. McCrary made these points to the students at the Back to School Rally.
“If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, you have got to tell someone,” he told the audience. “Mom and Dad have got your back.”
Reverend Karl Anderson, the founder and the president of PAVE, said he developed this year’s theme to provide help for young people in crisis. This theme was established because of the death of 16-year-old Robert Dentmond on March 21.
“We can look at an issue and ignore it or we can look at an issue and learn from it,” Anderson said.
The Santa Fe College Gymnasium was packed with families and students ranged from kindergartners to seniors in high school.
“You would be surprised how many kids in kindergarten understand what you’re saying and how many kids in high school need to be reassured of what you’re saying,” McCrary said.
