Harmony in Hickory Hill: Daughters of Zion’s Shelby SAFE Event Promotes Peace in the Streets for Shelby County
By: Staff, June 30, 2024
MEMPHIS, TN – In the sweltering heat of Saturday, June 29, 2024, a remarkable event unfolded in Hickory Hill, one that underscores the vital role of Daughters of Zion in Shelby County, Tennessee. Amid bouncers, waterslides, special musical guest, and an abundance of watermelon, the community gathered under a heat advisory, demonstrating resilience and a shared commitment to peace and safety.
The occasion, dubbed “Peace in the Streets,” saw an impressive turnout: with 37 adults and 41 children taking the Shelby SAFE pledge, a testament to the community’s yearning for a safer environment. Stephanie Williams, reflecting on the event, captured its essence: “Unprecedented. To see people from all across the city and county come together as strangers and leave as friends, united in their desire to see our city and county become safer.”
Shelby SAFE community connector Sentera Johnson provided sobering context. “There have been 146 homicides in Memphis year to date, with 54 or 38% in the Hickory Hill area alone near Raines Station, Crump Station, or the Mt. Moriah station. Hosting this event at Jesus People Church’s Event Center, was crucial. This location has been a Mecca of Peace in Hickory Hill for 20 years. Residents know this, and their response shows they feel safe attending events here.”
The voices of the youth, often overlooked, were particularly moving. Nyasia Waites, a tenth-grader at Kirby High School, shared, “The Shelby SAFE event was special because it was full of love, laughter, and peace—not like other events where there is fighting, bullying, or gun violence. I learned the power of using kind words to people.” Seventh-grader Tatyana Dae from Highland Oaks Middle echoed this sentiment, saying, “It was fun, with lots of stuff to do, and everybody showed love. I learned you can have fun without it being dangerous, and being nice to people can help keep the peace.”
Kayleigh Crawford, a sixth-grader at West Collierville Middle School, added, “It was a great event. We should do it again. There was no shooting like in other areas of the city. I felt good being there. I learned just to stay happy and stay out of people’s business.”
In just ten days, Daughters of Zion’s Shelby SAFE initiative successfully enlisted over 250 youths and adults to be mentors and mentees, pledging to do all they can to keep Shelby County safe.
Daughters of Zion stands as a vital organization within Shelby County, embodying hope, unity, and the relentless pursuit of a safer, more connected community. Through events like “Peace in the Streets,” they not only foster camaraderie and safety but also inspire a collective effort towards a brighter future.
To find out more about or to sign up for the Shelby SAFE Pledge call 901-570-3220.
About Post Author
