Giving Initiatives And Alternatives To Lead In Stop The Killing Event In Plainfield, Nj

March 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Largo, MD  – Giving Initiatives and Alternatives, Inc. (GIA), an organization that offers community-based educational, enrichment and life-skill programs for children and young adults, will partner with Plainfield Against Killing and other community groups that work with the youth to host a day-long event designed to provide solid solutions and resources for youth trying to change their lives.

The event came in response to a call from Karriem Muhammad a.k.a Linward X Cathcart, a long time Plainfield resident, who asked for some of those who grew up in Plainfield to come back and speak to the youth because they are killing each other at such alarming rates. The Plainfield Stop the Killing program will be held at Plainfield High School, 950 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060 on May 28, 2011 from 12:30 to 6:00 pm and is open to the public.

It has been widely reported that Plainfield has been plagued with drugs, gang-related crimes and murder for years and that the trend is growing. GIA Founder and President Angelo Omar Muhammad is a native of Plainfield and has a personal interest in the success of the event because many of his family members and friends live there. “Our goal is to draw youth who want to change the direction of their lives, and to attract organizations that have the resources to help them. We want to connect the dots and make clear the pathways that will make a difference.”  

Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs said "Plainfield, like so many urban areas, finds itself embroiled in gang activity, violence and despair.  It’s a cycle that has to end if our youth are to have any chance to realize their full potential.”  She added "Events like this are in line with the things we are trying to accomplish.  She thanked the collaborating organizations for undertaking this activity.”

Key speakers and presenters at the Plainfield Against Killing Community Day will be Pastor Tracy Brown of Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Karriem Muhammad and “Freeway” Ricky Ross a convicted drug dealer who gained notoriety for exposing the CIA’s role in supplying drugs to him as a part of the Iran-Contra affair in the 1980s.   Since his release in 2009, Ross has transformed his life and become a strong community activist. “Ricky represents the type of transformational change in a single life that we hope to replicate in the lives of youth and young adults who will attend the day-long event” said Velma Hart, CAE, GIA Executive Director.

Between 500-1000 attendees are expected to this day long event. Guest speakers and special events are planned to engage attendees of all ages including face painting, coloring, singers and poets.  We will provide pathways that will lead to successful life changes for those who seek it and to stop the killing in Plainfield by providing additional volunteers to monitor and promote positive street activities, supporting and connecting existing organizations. Further, groups will be providing additional mentoring and tutoring for the youth and establishing a Counsel of Elders in the City, who would provide leadership and minimize needless organizational differences.  A Resource Center location that will be used as the base of operations has already been established at 200 Garfield Avenue in Plainfield by partnering with Rev. Wyatt who owns the building.  The building currently needs major work but has great potential for the community and our youth.

For more information on the event or to sponsor, exhibit or collaborate on the event, go to www.givinginitiatives.org and click the Community Events tab.

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Giving Initiatives and Alternatives is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded to improve the quality of life for the youth and young adults within their communities. Our programs are designed to increase initiative and to inspire youth and young adults to accomplish their goals and to make good life decisions. We strive to create and support activities and programs that would help every individual reach their full potential. We also understand that we live in a global world and so international programs are also a focus of our efforts.

For additional information, please contact us at 240-487-3410 or giaainfo@givinginitiatives.org.