WOW--I just attended a meeting of Shreveport citizens that has only one priority--to reduce crime and violence.
With about 80 in attendance, I was glad that I only recognized about 10 faces. YES, I was happy that I knew so few of the many people there-- a group that looked like Shreveport as to race, sex, and background.
Shreveport Citizens United (SCU) is headed up by Mike Riordan, a convicted felon, and Dr. Jerome Cox, a former Army officer. Both are successful businessmen in Shreveport. Background wise they are as different as black and white, and by the way one is black and the other is white.
After months of study SCU leadership has identified 10 action initiatives: mentorship programs for troubled teens, youth recreation basketball program, education--early detection of childhood learning difficulties, GED programs and private school scholarships for underprivileged children, re-entry mentorship and vocational training for successful re-entry from prison, gang intervention, domestic abuse/sex trafficking, vocational training, affordable home ownership, police support, neighborhood resource rallies, and mental health collaboration between police and mental health professionals.
This group will meet weekly on Thurs. at 11:30 am with a free lunch provided. The meetings end promptly at 1 pm. The meeting room is located at the Northwest Louisiana Technical College at 2020 North Market St. All citizens are invited to attend, and NO registration is required.
For more information check out the SCU website at shrevecu.org
And mark down next Thursday, Oct. 5 to attend the next meeting.