[Posted Dec. 7, 2007]

Beach Groups To Address Gang
Violence At Community Forum 

       Residents of the Level Green Section of Virginia Beach are spearheading the establishment of a coalition of area civic leagues, churches and other groups interested in dealing with the issue of gang violence in Hampton Roads.
        On Monday, December 10 at the Brandon Middle School, starting at 6:30 p.m., a forum will be held to look at solutions to the growing incidence of youth and gang related violence in South Hampton Roads.
       “We want to forge a coalition to make an impact. We  are inviting anyone  who wants to help with solutions to the problems,” said Thelma Carroll, a resident of  Level Green, who is one of the organizers of the event.
“We all know there is a problem. Now we must face up to the fact that we must get together and solve the problem. It will take all of us—parents, the church, the police, the politicians, everybody—because we are all collectively affected by what our children are doing to each other.”
       Carroll, a retired attorney is the former Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Legal Aid Society, and lives in Level Green with her husband, William, a retired NSU professor. She said that a year ago, based on false information, a young man was shot, and is now praylzed because he was believed to be involved in one of the gangs which are operating in her neighborhood. Carroll says she was shocked at the revelation.
       “Level Green is a very diverse, professional and quiet community,” Carroll said.  “We never knew there was a gang problem in our community. I guess it can happen anywhere.  We have no clear sign of it. But we want to  work to make sure that the gangs do not get a solid foothold in our community. We want to become aware of  what’s going on so we can stop it in its tracks.”
       For more information about the  Forum  to End Youth and Gang Violence,  call 757-420-5055.

To read other stories, subscribe to the New Journal and Guide.