AKRON: Local Community leaders gathered together on the city's westside yesterday to support President Obama and his advocacy group, Organizing for Action, and their fight for Stricter Gun Control Laws in our country. The group got it's "day of action" initiative off the ground as more than 100 such events were planned across the country. Community members of \West Akron met mid afternoon outside The Mr. Pantry convenience store in an attempt to create awareness of the dangers of Gun violence in communities. Crowds chanted, waved signs, and honked horns in support
Gun Violence in the area has been running rampant in the area the past few years. In Dec 2011. 25 year old Henry Ivery III was found dead outside his Storer ave home after being shot multiple times. He was an apparent victim of a robbery. Just Months later, in March 2013 17 year old Willie Brewer III was shot and killed in the parking lot at The Mr. Pantry store (site of the Rally). And weeks later another man was shot at an intersection just blocks away. None of the shootings have been solved.
As president Obama's administration and his advocacy group along with the rest of the country are gearing up to take a stronger stance on gun control, and gun violence. Including tougher background checks, bans on semi automatic, and automatic weapons in cities. Community members in Akron were out advocating for residents to get involved encouraging them to speak up against crime in their neighborhoods. "It's our duty as men" one resident stated. "We can't live in fear" "We need to speak up when we see a crime, especially Murder in our community" "We have to solve our problems together" another echoed as the crowd chanted to motorist driving by. Margo Sommerville City Council (3rd ward) was also present lending her support. She pointed out that we should be focusing on helping returning citizens re enter society in a productive manner "That they may be able to pay taxes, contribute to society, etc..." in addition to what law enforcement and congress are currently advocating. With this new wave of energy, one thing is for sure. Change is on the way in Akron, and this country.
