There Was a Call for Peace... and the Community Answered
Photo Credit: Lauren Benzo
During the 4th Annual Community Call for Peace on March, 13th, the citizens of Erie declared peace through the power of music. Eleven musicians, members of “Mothers Against Teen Violence (MATV),” and the community became one to raise the awareness about peace. Oasis Pub hosted an event filled with joyous people who wanted to turn a new page on how the community can come together for a positive reason.
Erie has suffered from the growing amount of violence that has claimed the lives of over 20 people in the past couple of years. Two days prior the event, five young men were arrested and charged with the murder of two teenagers, who were attending a party in the Summer of 2015. Many people strongly felt that this event was right on time.
The event started at 4 pm with heartfelt speech from the founder of MATV, Sonya Arrington. She spoke on the fact that the community should come together more to bring more awareness about “Peace being the Answer!”
Soon after, the emcee of the evening, Jonny Evans of the group “LEC” introduced hip hop artist Doc Proto to the stage.
“This is my 4th time doing this event," Proto said, "I feel there is nothing better I rather do right now than to speak to the community about peace through my music.”
Artists Young Skola, Roger Montgomery, Jess Royer, Matty B, Heather Devore, Carlos Ramirez, C. Brown, Blues No More, Vince Rizzone, and LEC also preformed.
“I have worked on the MATV committee for 6 years and I feel that it is God’s plan for me to work with not only MATV but also the community of Erie.”, said Carmen Crespo, the event's coordinator.
Before she left the event, she declared that MATV’s job is far from finished! “I want the community to know that we are here for the community and especially the children.", she said,"Yes, the children are our future and we need them to see positive actions in order for them to conduct positive actions of their own.”
She went to say, “I am hoping next year we have a larger turn out. Every year, the numbers of supporters grow and that shows that our job is far from finished. Our message is to declare peace in the city of Erie and we know that the community not only hears that message, they agree with our message."