Citizens, elected officials, and law enforcement rally to stop local violence

The City of Quincy and Chairperson Commissioner Keith Dowdell held a Stop the Violence Awareness Rally in late June, with city leaders partnered with the Quincy Police Department to establish a relationship with the people of the community.

The program took place on 1732 Elm Street and also served to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday.

Attendees to the rally and celebration were able to enjoy bounce houses, a variety of food, a live DJ, and guest speakers.

Throughout the event, many of the Gadsden County residents who attended the rally wore shirts and other clothing to remember loved ones lost by gun violence.

City Commissioner Keith Dowdell took the lead on sponsoring and bridging the gap with law enforcement and the community by partnering with the Quincy Police Department to execute the event.

“The event today was meant to bring our community together. There’s always somebody here for you. We’ve had a lot of crime in our area so we’re trying to come together and encourage people that if you see something, say something. You never know how many lives you might save. We want this to be a safe community and for everyone to take care of each other,” said Commissioner Dowdell.

City of Quincy staff, commissioners, and law enforcement gathered to support a Stop the Violence rally on Elm Street. Pictured, from left to right: Quincy City Manager Jack McLean, Commissioner Ronterious Green, and Commissioner Keith Dowdell.

Many of the citizens attending the rally wore t-shirts and other clothing that commemorated lives that had been lost to violence.

Rolanda Jackson was one of the event coordinators working with Dowdell to organize the awareness rally.

“I think it’s important that we try to bring our community back together, one district at a time. I want the children to know that they have a support system out there,” said Jackson. “We are gonna continue to work and build for our events to be even better as we have more.”

The police department showed how it stands in solidarity with the community as Quincy officers ate with members of the community, and listened to speakers give inspirational messages and songs.

This event was spearheaded by Commissioner Dowdell with the hopes of getting the community out to meet the police.

According to Dowdell, he and other rally organizers want to stop the violence in the Gadsden County community - something that Dowdell knows will require continuous efforts and partnership with the community.

“Most times as law enforcement we’re in our patrol cars with our windows rolled up, but this is the perfect opportunity to get out and converse with our community and discuss issues if there are any.” said Robert Mixson, Police Captain and Interim Chief for the Quincy Police Department.

Community pastors, mayors, school board members and other leaders were all present to support District 1 and their crime stopping initiative.

“This was all Commissioner Dowdell’s effort and it was a beautiful event. This started our campaign for stopping the crime in the community. This is just the kick off for great things to come,” said Jack McLean, Quincy City Manager.

Oriana Plummer - Gadsden County News Service Photos by Oriana Plummer

Citizens, elected officials, and law enforcement rally to stop local violence

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Citizens, elected officials, and law enforcement rally to stop local violence

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Gadsden County Times Legals – 7/15

History preserved in Havana scrapbook collection

History preserved in Havana scrapbook collection

Recommended

Gadsden County Veteran Service Office to close for training

​Additional funding for senior services halted

Popular News

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About Us

Welcome Back!

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Additional funding for senior services halted