Nonprofit group organizes anti-crime expo

Community activists have organized the first “violence prevention expo” to deter young people from joining a gang.

The Gang Resistance, Awareness, Suppression & Prevention Program has organized the expo, which is scheduled to be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Golden East Crossing mall.

The GRASPP Youth Violence Prevention Expo is slated to feature entertainment, an art contest and speeches by public officials.

Gangs are becoming an increasing problem in Rocky Mount, said Cynthia L. Jackson, a gang prevention specialist for GRASPP.

“The expo is an opportunity to educate the community on what we’re doing,” Jackson said. “It’s really a movement to educate the community on youth violence – the impact of gangs and youth violence on our community.”

The event features a lineup on entertainment designed to attract young people, and will include choir music, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, rap and dance teams.

“In addition to entertainment, we’ll have a host of community speakers and advocates against youth violence,” she said.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners of an art contest.

The organization has asked young people to create artwork, a poem or essay with the theme “Imagine a World Free of Violence.”

The artwork will be recognized by officials at the event.

Also, the mall will be exhibiting the artwork throughout November, which is Youth Violence Prevention Month.

Rocky Mount Mayor David Combs, Police Chief John Manley and Representative Angela Bryant are scheduled to speak at the event.

“We’re hoping (the expo) will inspire conversations with parents and their families and their children about gangs and youth violence,” Jackson said.

Partnering with the organization to put on the expo is Golden East Crossing mall, Aray of Hope House and His Choice One Entity.

GRASPP, which is funded through the N.C. Governor’s Crime Commission, started as a partnership between the city of Rocky Mount and its police department, the Nash County Sheriff’s office and the United Way Tar River Region.

According to its Web page, GRASPP is “a multi-level youth violence awareness and prevention program that addresses the impact of youth violence and gang culture within families, schools and the broader community.”

“By targeting youth, families, caregivers, educators and service professionals, GRASPP offers comprehensive specialized programs designed to decrease the negative impact of youth violence on individuals, schools and communities at large,” the page states.

For more information about the expo or organization call 937-2213, ext. 108 or go to www.grasppforpeace.org.