Toledo July four block celebration religion leaders search resolution to violence

Pastor Talmadge Thomas and Avis Files of Brothers United and Sisters United say it takes a family to transform a community.

TOLEDO, Ohio – It’s been almost a week since the fatal shooting at a party on the Toledo Block celebrating the nation’s birthday on Lawrence and North Detroit Avenues.

The Mayor of Toledo, Wade Kapszukiewicz, is now calling for a joint effort to stop such incidents of violence in the city.

His reputation extends to both the religious community and families.

“I immediately thought that a lot of what was going on was definitely due to the pandemic. There is anger. There is fear and aggression. In the countryside and especially in the cities. Not just in Toledo,” said Talmadge Thomas . the senior pastor of the City of Zion, The Mountain. Zion Church in Toledo.

He continues to believe that shootings like this are pointless.

Agree with Thomas is Avis Files, which is running Brothers united and Sisters United, who creates programs to help better fathers and mothers.

“Block parties represent community and it takes a whole family to transform the community. So don’t necessarily blame the parents. Where were the parents? The parents had the block party like we did when we were kids,” said Files.

Kapszukiewicz has since called on community leaders like Files and Thomas to unite and fight the violence.

“What can the denomination do? What can the family do? asked Kapszukiewicz.

“For us to make sure that we don’t … as we often talk about community policing … but return to the family police. So that we understand who is going where under our roof. What are they doing? Who? Are they connecting with? ” said Thomas.

He believes it creates accountability.

Meanwhile, files says Brothers united is aimed at fathers.

“Because you hear about a lot of evils in the church that you hear about – shootings and drug addiction and all of those things – when you trace that back, sometimes a father is missing. Not necessarily at home, but a lack of the father’s presence is attributed to some of the problems and concerns, “Files said.

Files said if they can change a father, they can change a family and ultimately a community.

If, as a father or mother, you have difficulties with your children, you can contact. turn path.

You can either call or visit Files at 419-279-0798 www.pathwaytoledo.org.