Group to share “Shun the Gun” initiative in New Haven

NEW HAVEN — The Reclaiming Our Community Coalition has developed strategies for addressing violence in the West River Triangle Commercial District area and citywide through a “Shun the Gun” initiative.
Activities in the commercial district will focus on children, as part of a “NoEntry” strategy that aims to prevent youths from encountering the criminal justice system.
A press conference will be held to provide details on ROCC’s violence reduction strategies at 11 a.m. Monday at the corner of Norton Street and Derby Avenue.
ROCC is comprised of the Dwight Central Management Team, West River Neighborhood Services Corp., Block Watch #311 and the Youth Empowerment Squad (YES) of Masjid Al Islam.
Invited speakers include Curlena McDonald, Stacy Spell, Jerry Poole, Jamila Marr, Linda Townsend-Maier, Florita Gillespie, Alderwoman Tyisha Walker, D-23, Mayor John DeStefano Jr., state Sen. Toni Harp, D-New Haven and state Rep. Patricia Dillon, D-New Haven.