Rev. Al Sharpton: Let’s Talk About Violence in Black Neighborhoods

The Rev. Al Sharpton is calling for a high-profile community summit to address black-on-black violence after Harlem was rocked by a wave of shootings over Memorial Day.

“Last year alone, nearly one black child a day under the age of 17 was shot and killed in New York City. Shot mostly by other black city residents,” Sharpton said.

“Shootings and violence within our community by one of our own is an outrage and an issue that we must confront as diligently and as passionately as a sensational case of police misconduct or brutality.”

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Sharpton proposed to hold a more in-depth “Summit on Violence” within the month to bring together community leaders, young people, law enforcement, clergy, businessmen and elected officials, including Mayor Bloomberg and Paterson.

He said three critical areas need to be addressed: improving partnerships between the police and the community, “better dialogue between all of us with our youth” and new jobs.

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