Over 300 people came together in Nottingham today to voice their opposition against the city's gun crime and gang culture problems. The families of victims of violent crimes, such as the killing of Nathan Williams in the Meadows last year (read article) came together to call for 'Peace And Unity' and to put an 'End To The Killings'. A march started at the Forest Recreation Ground around midday and made its way to the city centre along Mansfield Road. The march was very loud and cheerful and attracted a lot of attention.
On arrival in the centre there was a rally in the Market Square, with talks and speeches by members of families that have been affected by violent crime as well as some of the organisers. Speakers included Paula Platt, who lost her 14 year old daughter Danielle in 2004 as she walked through the St Anns area after the Goose Fair in October 2004. Sarah Wallace, who lost her 20 year old son Daniel over a year ago in a stabbing in Radford, any so many others ..... The list of grieving parents is just too long. Added urgency to the proceeding, since there was yet another shooting in the St Anns area just this last thursday. As the crowds had gathered, silence was observed with thoughts of those, so affected.
Audio: Peace And Unity - a radio piece
Photo: Peace and Unity March : Nottingham 1 Demo | Peace and Unity March : Nottingham 2 Event in Square
Links: Supporting Communities | Azuka Nottz
As you will see from the links below, the issue is still ongoing. After the shooting of Danielle Beccan, 'Nottingham Stands Together' (on gun crime) campaign attracted thousands to the Market Square. Digitaries attended, speeches made, actions promised. .... Here we were again. When can we expect this will be the last of such gatherings?
More photos: Shooting of Danielle Beccan :: Nottinghamshire Police Press Conference | Nottingham and More Guns | Nottingham Stands Together [on gun crime] | Danielle Beccan Funeral
Related articles: Mothers Against Guns | Operation 'Real Estate' Nottinghamshire Police | Research in Nottingham Libary Regarding the police use of weapons Correspondence with a Nottingham Librarian Gun Crime and Police response - Collected Links
Further reading:
Operation 'Real Estate' Nottingham response to gun crime: Police Review 17th November 2000
"Cops gun for trouble: Police lose pistols from van" - Nottingham Evening Post - 3 August 1995
"Missing police bullets found" - Nottingham Evening Post - 17 January 2001
"How I found police bullets" - Nottingham Evening Post - 19 January 2001
"Probe after police lose 15 bullets" - Nottingham Evening Post - 3 February 2003
more pictures: Protest at Heckler & Koch weapons manufacturers HQ in Nottingham | 'Armed turnout' of Nottinghamshire Police. [another false alarm] | Jesse Jackson Press Conference at The Council House | 'Respect' Co-ordinator, Louise Casey drops into The Meadows, Nottingham | Royal Air Force has dropped in to invade 'our' square