Clewiston News
CLEWISTON -- As the residents across the street from the old sheriff’s sub-station watched the throng of activists walking in their neighborhoods, they wondered what in the world they were doing.
"We did get some strange looks from people," said Pastor John Hicks, of First United Methodist Church, one of those walking that Saturday. "Why are all these people were going through their neighborhoods for?"
The more than 60 people in the crowd continued on their way and stood in the streets, participating in a prayer "asking God to bless the families."
This neighborhood has been in the headlines recently, but not for anything the majority of its residents would like to be acknowledged.
The streets that the group walked have bared witness to shootings, warring factions, and other violent acts. A few yards away from where the group prayed, some have been gunned to death.
While those participating are adamant that only a handful of criminals are lending the neighborhood its bad name, people like Pastor Hicks hope that the entire community will rise up to reclaim its streets.
Saturday’s walk was just precursor to this weekend’s Unity March Against Violence.
The walk will be the culmination of an effort started by Police Chief Don Gutshall and City Commissioner Rick Miller, who asked the area’s ministerial association to pitch in and target the crime situation in Clewiston.
They explained that something beyond law enforcement would be needed to quell the likelihood that the violence could spill over into the rest of the community.
"We’ve had drive by shootings, burglaries and even arsons we believe to be traceable to the original argument," Clewiston Police Chief Don Gutshall shared. "There has been gang graffiti, constant friction even filtering into the school system, and a ‘choosing of sides’ within a large area of Southeast Clewiston."
The effort is an offshoot of the Hendry Glades Gang Coalition, which has organized recently to tackle the issue from all facets of the community: the educational system, religious entities, law enforcement and the private sector.
"There’s only so much a law enforcement agency can do," says Gutshall. "We needed help addressing some of these issues by someone who could gain a greater trust of these families."
Local churches are happy to help.
"I think that right now, it’s at a stage where we can nip it in the bud," said Pastor Hicks. "The ministers were talking about what we can do to make a stand and let people know we’re not gonna sit by and watch."
Like many others, Pastor Hicks worries that the violence, if left alone, will reach the children.
"Eventually, we’re gonna have innocent children shot and killed," he said.
More than a dozen churches will be taking part in this Saturday’s walk. It begins at 10 a.m. on the vacant lot near the intersection of El Paso Avenue and Francisco Street. Immediately following the walk, a rally will be held at Elks Park.
One of those walking this weekend cannot walk at all. A part of the food pantry ministry, the woman will be participating in her wheelchair.
"She wants to be out there to show her support," said Pastor Hicks.
He hopes others will follow her lead.
"This is just a start," assured the pastor. "We’re not gonna do it and drop off."
For more information, call Pastor John Hicks at 863-983-5269.
