Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne UNITED today unveiled a new outreach video geared toward raising community awareness about the homicide challenge in Fort Wayne and the importance of preventing violence and providing positive opportunities for black men and boys.
The video takes a serious look at Fort Wayne’s homicide issue and the need for collaboration from everyone in the community to prevent future homicides. The video will be shared with organizations locally and across the country as a way to share the message of the importance of investing in the lives of individuals and families who need it most. The Chapel donated all of the video services to make the project possible.
As part of the ongoing outreach and education efforts, community members are encouraged to share stories on social media using #couldabeenme about positive steps they’re taking or know are being taken to reduce negative outcomes for individuals and families.
Leaders today also encouraged the public to get involved with Fort Wayne UNITED by volunteering. The new video and volunteer opportunities are available at www.FortWayneUNITED.org. Fort Wayne UNITED will host a community forum in the near future for individuals and groups to learn more about how to get involved to make Fort Wayne the best and safest city possible. The specific date, time and location will be announced soon.
“Our new video and a call to action for the public to become part of Fort Wayne UNITED’s solutions to community challenges speak volumes about the importance of being connected as a city,” said Mayor Henry. “Now more than ever it’s vital for all of us to work together to enhance our quality of life and provide opportunities and hope for every resident who calls Fort Wayne home.”
Last week, a first of its kind My Brother’s Keeper Sunday was held at 14 churches across Fort Wayne. Churches who are part of the Fort Wayne UNITED clergy subcommittee shared unified messages addressing violence and the impact of homicides on families and the community.
Fort Wayne UNITED is a mayoral initiative started by Mayor Tom Henry in 2016. Under the direction of Iric Headley, it places two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother’s Keeper, into one program to provide positive opportunities and hope for black men and boys and make a meaningful difference with an emphasis on listening, input, letting voices be heard, and engagement.
Fort Wayne UNITED’s vision is for every black male in Fort Wayne to be respected and valued with an opportunity to reach their full potential. The mission is to advocate for and implement policies, practices and procedures to ensure equity and opportunity for black fathers, brothers and sons at home, work, school, and the community through collaborative efforts.
