As we continue to improve public safety in one of the most dangerous public housing developments in NYC the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council (HHSYC), who manages SNUG for the King of Kings Foundation (KOK), along with actors Danny Glover, JB Smooth, Leon and NYS Senator Malcolm Smith celebrate a major milestone of nearly 45 consecutive weeks of no reported homicides or shootings in the infamous Redfern Public Housing Development. The anti-gun initiative, funded by NYS Senator Malcolm Smith, continues to improve public safety by working with community groups, housing residents, clergy, local businesses and law enforcement agencies. The Rockaway Development Revitalization Corporation is the project’s fiscal conduit. The successful Chicago-based organization Ceasefire acts as a consultant and uses a unique 5-prong “Public Health” approach to reduce gun violence.
During a period when the Trayvon Martin issue is still at the top of the news it is important that celebrities step up to the plate and use their influence to keep our young people calm. With Avery Johnson, Danny Glover, JB Smooth and Leon joining “Team SNUG” this may be the right time to have some open and honest dialogue about race, minority youth, gun violence, “Stop & Frisk” policies and the “Stand Your Ground” laws.
“This is a great project and is needed to stop all the violence in our communities. I support the work of SNUG and applaud Malcolm for launching this life-saving initiative.” stated actor Danny Glover.
“The work that SNUG is doing to save lives is amazing and you guys can count on me to be a part of the team.” stated JB Smooth, actor from “Curb Your Enthusiasm”.
“Programs like SNUG offer hope in neighborhoods that are out of control with violence and whatever you need me to do to help, I’m there for you.” stated actor Leon.
“I’m excited about the superstars that have joined us to improve public safety and support our work to put an end to the senseless violence that continues to plague our communities.” ended NYS Senator Malcolm Smith.
“Our work to stop the killings has just started and we welcome the support of these stars.” said Lance Feurtado, Director of SNUG and Executive Director of the KOK.
The SNUG Advisory Council (SAC) was founded by the HHSYC to solicit the support of celebrities and community leaders who are concerned about the dangers of gun violence. SAC will officially launch next month and offer guidance, fundraising, celebrity and media support to each SNUG site. Charles Fisher, one of the original Co-chairs appointed by the NYS Senate in June of 2008 to help officially launch SNUG, is responsible for the success of SAC.
