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| by Jeannie Erickson |
| August 22, 2012 |
The South Side of Madison came together in Penn Park on Tuesday, Aug. 7 to celebrate and "Take Back the Neighborhood" for National Night Out. About 300 adults and children marched through the neighborhood against drugs, guns, gangs and related violence, and then shared a community BBQ.
The event, held annually since 1984 and sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada, is meant to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch/neighborhood eatch, and other anti-crime efforts. Initially communities held lights-on vigils. Now, many communities hold block parties, festivals, and other events to help bring neighbors together.
The evening, led by emcee Gaddi B. Dan, was filled with entertainment and words of support from groups within the community. Spoken-word artists, Atira Banks, and the Young, Black and Gifted Art Collective stressed the need for positive actions, and representatives from Madison area Urban Ministry (MUM), the South Madison Promise Zone, and the Penn Park Partners expressed their commitment to the community.
Musical performances for the evening were provided by Owls, Foxes and Sebastian; youth from the Creative and Performing Arts of the BGCDC; and the End Time International Ministry Dancers.
South Madison Police Captain Joe Balles spoke on behalf of the MPD, one of the primary sponsors of NNO. Target, a national sponsor, represented by volunteers from Hildale Target, served the community meal and joined in the evening's festivities.
The evening closed with a candlelight vigil to remember those lost over the past year to violence. Deacon Julius and Willie B. Johnson (pictured above right), and Dot and Will Williams lead the vigil with gospel music.
The event was sponsored by the Madison Police Department, City of Madison Parks, BANA, Penn Park Partners, Penn Park Peace Partners, Target, Madison-area Urban Ministry, Fresh Market, Oscar Mayer, SMBA, Oak Bank and Today Not Tomorrow - Club TNT.
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