DETROIT – More than thirty community organizations and state, and federal law enforcement agencies participated in the first Peacenic held in O’Hair Park on Saturday, July 9 from 11-2.
The event was part of the Safe Summer Streets Initiative where federal law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) partnered this summer with the City of Detroit, Detroit Police Department, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to strategically focus resources on the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city, which are two sections in the City’s 8th precinct and two sections in the 9th precinct. The strategy is designed to significantly reduce violence by narrowly focusing on those who are committing violence and to give these neighborhoods back to the majority of residents who want peace. The City of Detroit committed to address blight, ensure access to city services, and replenish community resources in the neighborhoods that were targeted for enforcement. The partners also agreed to hold community engagement events, Peacenics, where residents could have fun, engage with law enforcement, and obtain resources to improve the quality of their lives.
Saturday’s Peacenic held in O’Hair Park in the 8th Precinct was the first of these community engagement events. It featured vendors offering a variety of resources including job training, literacy programs, mental health and medical screenings, utility assistance, educational and vocational opportunities, tutorial and career development programs, and more. Several law enforcement agencies were also present to engage with the community and recruit to fill vacancies in their organizations. The event also included a panel discussion of Returning Citizens who discussed how they could collaborate to reduce violence in their communities. In addition to the resources, there were bounce houses, face painting, cookie decorating and free throw tournament for kids. Hooper from the Detroit Pistons also made an appearance and took photographs with attendees. Adults were also able to join in the fun with Hustle Dance lessons, chess games, and a Spades tournament. There was also pizza, hot dogs, sliders, and ice cream available for residents at the Peacenic.
Gail Tubbs, President of the O’Hair Park Neighborhood Association, stated “The message of unity was on full display this past Saturday, July 9th at O’Hair Park. The community came together with law enforcement agencies to bring about a culture of peace in our neighborhoods and in the city of Detroit.”
Alvin R. Stokes, President, Citywide Citizens Police Community Relations, stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank U.S. Attorney Mrs. Dawn Ison and her team, for the great event that was held July 9th, 2022, at O’Hair park in the 8th precinct. With the help of several agencies, a great time was had by all. I applaud the Attorney and her team for showing the community the love and support that we need. It is such a pleasure to see the community and other agencies coming together for a good cause. I would love to see more.”
“The Peacenic was a day of empowerment filled with life-saving resources. Free food, job opportunities and plenty of activities for the family. Can’t wait for the next one,” said Darryl Woods, Sr., President and CEO, Fighting the Good Fight.
The second Peacenic will be held on July 17, 2022, from 11-4 at Heilmann Park, which is in the 9th Precinct and will feature most of the same community and law enforcement partners. The Peacenic is designed for the residents of the 9th Precinct. Media is welcome to attend the event and should contact Gina Balaya at the above email address or contact her directly at (313)226-9758.
Participating Organizations
Bates Academy • Brilliant Detroit • Detroit at Work • Detroit Chess Club • Detroit Health Department • Detroit Public Schools Community District • Detroit Reconnect • Detroit Training Center • Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network • Downtown Boxing Gym • Drug Enforcement Administration • Goodwill Industries • Homeland Security • I Teach Chess • Matrix Human Services • Michigan Army National Guard • Michigan Department of Corrections • Michigan Secretary of State • Michigan State Police • O’Hair Park Neighborhood Association • Project Clean Slate • Pure Heart Foundation • Team Wellness Center • 27th Letter Books • United States Marshals Services • Wayne County Community College District • Wayne County Sheriff’s Department •Wayne Metro Community Action Agency • Youthbuild