Local pastor LeStan Hoskins called a meeting Monday night at the Danville Public Library to discuss prevention of violence in our community. Hoskins stated that our community often unites after bad things happen, like the recent disappearance and death of Jelani Day. But what’s also needed, he says, is that kind of unity and passion before things happen.
Hoskins said a meeting he had with Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates re-emphasized that to him. Let’s work for the same goal.
AUDIO: So for me it’s all about relationships. I feel that we can’t work together if we don’t know each other, if we don’t trust each other. So if we can build trust, and if we can have the same mission, then we can work together. I do believe that once you sit down and get to know people, especially like Chief Yates; I know he has a heart for the city, I have a heart for the city, I know the people who came here have a heart for the city.
There were many others who spoke Monday evening, such as Sergeant Jeffries from the Danville Police Department, and also Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jaqueline Lacy, who talked about the importance of evidence that is needed, and therefore the community effort that is needed for convictions. Another attendee was citizen Charlene Williams. She says, everyone needs to be willing to ask for help for their family, and seek therapy for their family when it’s needed. She said the African American community especially needs to be willing to do that, and not allow the stigma about it to prevent them from reaching out.
AUDIO: What’s happening now is a lot of celebrities, and a lot of people, are admitting that they have mental health issues. So that is kind of breaking down the barriers, or de-stigmitizing. Because nobody talked about mental health: while, black, blue, or green. It is really prevalent in our community, but it also comes to parenting. You have to say, “my child needs help.”
Danville mayor Rickey Williams, Jr was there, and he and Pastor Hoskins both emphasize protecting our community by following the rule of if you see something, or if you hear something, say something.
