Harlem Stands with Sandy Hook, and Sandy Hook Stands with Harlem. We are united in our efforts to reduce the risks of gun violence in our communities and across America.
On January 7th, First Selectman Pat Llodra (a first selectman is like a mayor) graciously received the banner on behalf of the Town of Newtown and directed it to be hung in the Legislative Council Room at the Newtown Municipal Center. And, thus ended the journey of a banner that originated in Harlem, carrying the dream of hope, peace and love to Newtown and around the country.
When my friend and fellow Newtowner Dr. Greg Dworkin contacted me to tell me that Yvette Heyliger, a Senior Fellow and Founding Member of Organizing for Action and organizer of the Harlem event on December 16th, wanted to send the banner to Newtown, I jumped out of my seat. I knew about the banner and was excited to deliver it to the First Selectman.
The banner further serves to bridge our two communities. We had the privilege of meeting with Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY 13th District) and other members of the Harlem community last year. The communities are on the same journey. Together we are building a movement that includes Hartford, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Aurora, Virginia Tech, Oak Creek, Tucson, and urban, suburban and rural communities that are fighting to reduce gun violence and to return our streets to our children.
Team 26 is planning an event in Harlem in March.