By Alicia Cruz
New Jersey Newsroom
Politicians, residents, law enforcement and friends rallied together in the courtyard of the Montgomery Gardens housing complex in Jersey City where five-year-old Hasmera Clayton was shot in her neck while she played in the playground near her home last week, The Star-Ledger reported.
New Covenant Baptist Church of Christ and Ministries in Jersey City sponsored "Putting an End to the Violence in Our Communities" and their theme was, "Enough!"
More than 300 people converged on the grounds of Montgomery Gardens to send a clear message that they are tired of the senseless violence, drug activity and they're simply not going to take it anymore.
"If Jesus was in Jersey City today, he would be right here with me because a baby is in the hospital with a fresh bullet taken out of her spine," the Rev. Eugene Overstreet, pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church of Christ and Ministries shouted.
"I'm here to tell the drug slingers we aren't afraid of you! You will not control our destiny...We are not just window dressing today," said Overstreet, who organized the event.
Clayton, according to media reports, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition at University of Medicine and Dentistry Hospital in Newark. The bullet that pierced her spine was removed this week and doctors say they'll have a better idea about her recovery in a few weeks.
Police recovered the weapon used to shoot little Hasmera and arrested 18-year-old Dimitrious Thompson Saturday at 213 Bidwell Avenue. Thompson will be charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose.
Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson was also in attendence at the rally. She made a heartfelt appeal to the residents of the Montgomery Gardens to protect their families, not the drug dealers.
"You know who has the drugs, what time they are bringing it in, and who they are giving it to," Richardson said. "Enough is enough...Give us the information and I'll turn them in...If you got this grandson you know isn't right, you better put him out of here...It's in our hands."
Sam Jefferson, Director of the Jersey City Police Department, shared Richardson's sentiments and urged residents to help police be more effective.
"Sometimes we have to turn each other in so others may live," Jefferson said. "It's time to start looking at ourselves."
Clayton Williams, Hasmera's father, told The Jersey Journal that Hasmera is moving her arm and legs.
"She's good, she's going to be alright. I just love my daughter," said Williams who described Hasmera as a "miracle baby" who loved to dance to Justin Beaver music.
Assemblyman Charles Mainor, Sheriff Juan Perez, state Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham, Freeholder Jeff Dublin, Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop all attended and addressed the crowd, as did the well-known activist and former Jersey City resident, the Rev. Herbert Daughtry.
"I'm sick and tired of hearing about our young kids killing each other," Dublin said. "People who use guns are cowards....You should get a strong (tenant) association here and run these drug-dealing...suckers...out of here."
"In a city of a quarter of a million people, the loudest speaker is a 5-year-old girl that is inspiring people," said Fulop, who called this moment in time "a window of opportunity."
New Jersey Newsroom
Politicians, residents, law enforcement and friends rallied together in the courtyard of the Montgomery Gardens housing complex in Jersey City where five-year-old Hasmera Clayton was shot in her neck while she played in the playground near her home last week, The Star-Ledger reported.
New Covenant Baptist Church of Christ and Ministries in Jersey City sponsored "Putting an End to the Violence in Our Communities" and their theme was, "Enough!"
More than 300 people converged on the grounds of Montgomery Gardens to send a clear message that they are tired of the senseless violence, drug activity and they're simply not going to take it anymore.
"If Jesus was in Jersey City today, he would be right here with me because a baby is in the hospital with a fresh bullet taken out of her spine," the Rev. Eugene Overstreet, pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church of Christ and Ministries shouted.
"I'm here to tell the drug slingers we aren't afraid of you! You will not control our destiny...We are not just window dressing today," said Overstreet, who organized the event.
Clayton, according to media reports, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition at University of Medicine and Dentistry Hospital in Newark. The bullet that pierced her spine was removed this week and doctors say they'll have a better idea about her recovery in a few weeks.
Police recovered the weapon used to shoot little Hasmera and arrested 18-year-old Dimitrious Thompson Saturday at 213 Bidwell Avenue. Thompson will be charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose.
Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson was also in attendence at the rally. She made a heartfelt appeal to the residents of the Montgomery Gardens to protect their families, not the drug dealers.
"You know who has the drugs, what time they are bringing it in, and who they are giving it to," Richardson said. "Enough is enough...Give us the information and I'll turn them in...If you got this grandson you know isn't right, you better put him out of here...It's in our hands."
Sam Jefferson, Director of the Jersey City Police Department, shared Richardson's sentiments and urged residents to help police be more effective.
"Sometimes we have to turn each other in so others may live," Jefferson said. "It's time to start looking at ourselves."
Clayton Williams, Hasmera's father, told The Jersey Journal that Hasmera is moving her arm and legs.
"She's good, she's going to be alright. I just love my daughter," said Williams who described Hasmera as a "miracle baby" who loved to dance to Justin Beaver music.
Assemblyman Charles Mainor, Sheriff Juan Perez, state Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham, Freeholder Jeff Dublin, Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop all attended and addressed the crowd, as did the well-known activist and former Jersey City resident, the Rev. Herbert Daughtry.
"I'm sick and tired of hearing about our young kids killing each other," Dublin said. "People who use guns are cowards....You should get a strong (tenant) association here and run these drug-dealing...suckers...out of here."
"In a city of a quarter of a million people, the loudest speaker is a 5-year-old girl that is inspiring people," said Fulop, who called this moment in time "a window of opportunity."
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