nothin “More Jobs, Less Violence!” | New Haven Independent

More Jobs, Less Violence!”

Allan Appel Photo

On a brisk Wednesday night more than 200 people paraded under the banner of the New Elm City Dream” to underscore the link between violence and the lack of meaningful work for the city’s young people

Nastassja Colbert (foreground).

Common Ground High School junior Nastassja Colbert carried a votive candle and a poster bearing thumbnail images of the city’s 29 homicide victims this year. Her voice joined a spirited throng that stopped traffic as it circumambulated the streets about the Green calling out: More jobs, less violence!”

The marchers’ destination: City Hall, where they delivered to Mayor John DeStefano and representatives of U.S. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rosa DeLauro and other officials a petition signed by 650 people urging support at all levels of government for President Obama’s American Jobs Act” and Illinois U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act.”

Among the supportive adults in the march were Rev. Scott Marks, former mayoral candidate Clifford Graves, and Aldermen Darnell Goldson and Sergio Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said he had hand-delivered a copy of the letter and petition at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to the federal government’s Office of Community Engagement and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Westville Alderman Sergio Rodriguez marching up College Street.

This is what democracy looks like!” the marchers shouted as turned from Chapel Street onto Church. A phalanx of admiring officials was there to receive the petitions at the base of the Amistad Memorial.

Dwitght activist Charles Nixon with Mayor DeStefano.

Dwight Community activist Charles Nixon urged the mayor to restore to its full funding the city’s Youth at Work” program. It’s our life blood,” he told DeSefano.

When it was his turn to speak, DeStefano praised the young people.

Sometimes leaders have to lead by following,” he said.

Hill Alderwoman Dolores Colon commended the seriousness of the marchers’ message. If they have jobs, they will not be in the streets hurting each other,” she said.

She reminded the assembly that the Board of Aldermen has already passed a resolution urging passage of the federal jobs legislation.

NHPS teacher Eric Maroney and high schooler David Elkin-Ginnetti.

The New Elm City Dream was established in September. It operates out of the Peoples Center on Howe Street. Youth counselor Lisa Bergmann said the group has about 60 members, many local high school students, like David Elkin-Ginnetti.

Elkin-Ginnetti said he was turned down this summer by the Youth at Work program because the slots were filled up. He does odd jobs for neighbors and yard work.

Joining him on the march were several New Haven public school teachers, including Eric Maroney, who teaches ninth grade English at the Engineering & Science University Magnet School.

The young folks here are not my students, but their interests are my interests,” he said.

The march was the New Elm City Dream’s first public event. According to Bergmann, next up is an initiative to urge local major employers in the city to earmark jobs for young people. A committee of the New Elm City Dream is working on details, she said.

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