City creates united front at Stop the Violence Rally

Walking down Mansion Street in the City of Poughkeepsie, more than 300 voices shouted out in unison.

Chants rang out in the streets, but the message was singular — "stop the violence."

About 300 people gathered Saturday afternoon at Mansion Square Park for the second annual Stop the Violence Rally.

From shootings in the City of Poughkeepsie to mass shootings taking place across the country, the rally signified the community uniting against these acts of violence.

After the death of her 18-year-old cousin, Caval Haylett, in a shooting in March, Jamie Smith, 34, of the City of Poughkeepsie, said it was important to make an open stance against violence. It was necessary to focus on precautionary measures and finding ways to prevent violence before it happens, rather than react after the fact, Smith said.

READ MORE: Caval Haylett: A bright future lost

"I was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, and it's clear that what we need is more police, more activities for our youth and gun control so these kids can't get their hands on weapons."

In addressing violence in the city, it is vital to work on a united front to take a stand, said Joseph Stratford, president of Poughkeepsie's Stop the Violence Movement.

"We want the nation to see that we, right here in Poughkeepsie, are going to do the right thing to stop this senseless violence in our community," Stratford said.

With more than 40 sponsors either participating in or donating to the rally, the Stop the Violence Movement saw a larger turnout for the event than last year's. It's this increase in popularity that shows the movement is working, said Robert Pemberton, founder of the movement.

"The outpouring of sponsorship and community support lets us know that we're heading in the right direction," Pemberton said.

While the rally itself is not a solution, the dialogue it creates is the groundwork needed to address the issue, Pemberton said.

"This is not an overnight fix," Pemberton said. "This is a start, and we have to start somewhere."

The march drew more people as it wound through the City of Poughkeepsie before ending with a rally at Waryas Park. As the march moved past the location where City of Poughkeepsie Det. John Falcone was killed, participants paused for a moment of silence.

City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, who marched with the community, said the event was the start of a positive conversation.

"We're a city united, a community together, but as amazing as the rally and the march was, it's important to start thinking about tomorrow and what's the next step," Rolison said.

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW