DON"T JUST TALK ABOUT IT, BE ABOUT IT !!

So, my boy, Fonzo decided that instead of releasing the interview of two ACTUAL witnesses of Manuel Young's shooting incident on my blog (the guy shot by police who allegedly had a .38 pistol and had turned to fire), maybe it would be better to place it in the May edition of Lehigh Valley Flavor (www.lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com). I had to agree because he has readership that "don't stop!"
Anyway, what you will see on the interview will not only be an example of the anger and frustration many are feeling in the inner city of A-town, but also possible solutions and ideas that could assist this city with its goal of improving itself.
It, also, was the birthplace of a new grassroots community group called PROTECT THE HOOD. We had our first meeting this evening. A call was put out to everyone who is tired of the madness occurring in Center City. We had 15 people show up and it consisted of several young adults, gang members, single parents, students, residents and concerned citizens who are ready to make it happen. Many attended in support of Manuel Young. Mr. Young's girlfriend, of seven years, even attended and spoke of her inability to speak to him or to have someone give her a straight answer about his health status. Her frustration was heart breaking....
This is a very eclectic group, to say the least, but at each meeting we are giving information about city and organizational programs, stressing the need for community involvement, creating events and projects that will allow voices to be heard throughout the Valley, discussing the real possibility of entrepreneurship and self sufficiency, and basically changing Allentown from the "inside out."
There are no politics, status symbols, agendas, or judging allowed. We all are important and are allowed to speak, vent, and get our thoughts into the open, in regards to changing this city for the better. It's for our children and our children's children.
It's time to stop allowing people to speak FOR and ABOUT us. We need to speak for ourselves. UPWARD BOUND, ALLENTOWN !

- J. Black