Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jan 2002
Source: Montgomery Advertiser (AL)
Copyright: 2002sThe Advertiser Co.
Contact:  http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1088
Author: Jannell McGrew

CRIME MEETING'S FOCUS

MONTGOMERY - When leaders of the Montgomery City Council's Task Force on 
Black on Black Crime and Youth Violence gathered for talks Tuesday, Patrick 
Monfiston was one of the first people to enter the doors.

The 33-year-old businessman is the manager of Club Ballers, a Montgomery 
nightclub. The club made headlines after one man was shot and killed during 
an altercation outside the club on Dec. 25.

Another man, who was reportedly shot in the crossfire, later died. Another 
individual on the scene was wounded.

Monfiston took part in the evening meeting to discuss ways to curb black on 
black crime in Montgomery and who should take part in doing it.

"We want to see what we can do to stop all the crime and violence going 
on," he said. About a dozen people met at the Montgomery Civic Center and 
poured over a list of what organizers believe will be solutions.

Many included establishing crime prevention and substance abuse education 
programs, more neighborhood watch groups and curfews.

Cubie Rae Gilmer, a Montgomery public relations business owner, said out of 
the meeting "will come directives - exactly what we want the families and 
public officials to do."

Under the category of "to dos" for the families, strategies ranged from 
creating a structured home life to teaching children manners to discussing 
birth control.

The group wants public officials to provide gang education and offer 
harsher punishment for crimes. Parental training is also an option, Gilmer 
said.

"In order to take back the community, residents must first take back their 
homes," Gilmer said. "That means if your children are harboring guns or 
dealing drugs, you should report it. If you aren't safe in your own home, 
how can you expect to be safe outside?"

District 4 Councilman James Knuckles, a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on 
Black on Black Crime and Youth Violence, said he plans to create a 
"Violence-Free Month" project by spring.
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MAP posted-by: Beth