Juneteenth march & block party to stop Albany violence

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — At Albany’s Washington Park, amid record heat, why in the world would a group of men, wearing black t-shirts, choose to be outdoors?

“No matter how hot, no matter how cold, no matter the rain or snow, we're trying to keep these coffins empty," said Pastor Michael Williams.

The clergyman and others were “Men on a Mission” who chose to accept the task of being positive role models to Albany youth, to help curtail gun violence. They were holding a Juneteeth anti-vionce march. Among them, Albany’s police chief. 

“We've got to get to some of the root causes of some of the undesirable behaviors that are leading to violence —” said Chief Eric Hawkins.

“Right now we have a lot of people that don't have any direction. Lost hope. And, because of that, they don't eat well, they don't live well, it's not affordable, so it creates a lot of crime,” said Williams who also serves as the Albany Community Land Trust Gun Violence Prevention Coordinator.

"To have this event on Juneteenth… the symbolism is really important…we're seeing that this is the pathway" Cheif Hawkins added.

After which, the men marched to a Juneteeth block party which had to be moved from Bleecker Stadium, indoors to the Delaware Avenue Boys & Girls Club due to forecaseted 97 degree heat.

“Juneteenth is everything right. We're celebrating as...slaves were notified that they were finally freed…And how much more important is it is…for our organization which serves predominantly black and brown populations that we wanted to extend our hand out…So we opened up our doors and had it here," said David Gordon, the club's program manager.

If you want perspective, 18 year old Brendan Brete moved to Albany from Canarsie, Brooklyn and is glad to see this kind of event. 

“You hear a lot of stories about violent things, and a lot of negative things that happened in the community, but seeing the people come together for something so positive, it's a great thing to see. It's different," Brete expressed.

This was the first Men on a Mission March. Pastor Williams says this will now become an annual event.