Take the Pledge.

Hey,Right now the murder rate in Oakland is over twice what it was last year. 80% of murders in the Bay Area are folks under 28.

Young people are struggling to find real opportunities and hope.Even though it's pretty grim out there, I just signed the "Silence the Violence Pledge," and and joined the movement for real solutions for violence in Oakland.

Silence the Violence:

1 - Holds exclusiveÊconcerts and parties to create more positive recreation in Oakland.

2 - Brings together community members to for peace vigils and other events.

3 - Is launching a new CD featuring Bay Area legends like Mistah FAB and Goapele.

4 - Helped win a community based mediation program in Oakland and fights for better programs and more recreational opportunities for youth.I hope you'll sign on too and part of the solution.

5 - Nina Parks just took the plegde. And is working on a new project. I would like to do a portrait series and a collection of stories of the friends and family left behind by those who have lost a loved on to violence. If you have a friend or family member who you've put on a memorial tee please share your story with me at LADYBIRD420@gmail.com.

Although we need to silence the violence, we do not need to stay silent about violence. Please share your stories, share the story of your lost loved one/s.

Check it out:http://www.bayareasilencetheviolence.org/

Thanks!

Respect,

Nina Parks