Learn
from the past
During the late nineties, Boston was nationally recognized
as a city that had found a way to reduce crime. Many who played
little or no role in the “Boston miracle” were touted
by the press as miracle workers. Many false stories about how the
crime rate was reduced obscured the truth. Now the city has reverted
to an earlier period. Hardly a day goes by without news reports
of more shootings and murders in Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan.
What went wrong? The enthusiasm for a crime free community was infectious.
It is understandable why so many wanted to be a part of that state
of affairs. Unfortunately, too few really understood how the reduction
of juvenile crime was achieved and what was necessary to sustain
it. Many took the stage to bask in the glory of the culmination
of a process that required years of hard work, and many times required
physical courage.
Tragically, those with little understanding of the process to gain
the confidence of the community, so necessary to curtail violence,
have allowed the tried and true processes to decay. Now, just a
few years after everyone was marveling at the “Boston miracle,”
the dreaded murder rate has begun to climb. There seem to be major
differences of opinion about how to stop the violence.
A sensible approach would be to analyze in some detail just how
the “Boston miracle” was achieved. Everyone must realize
that critical to the success in reducing the crime rate is a sound
working relationship between the police and the community. Distrust
and hostility between the police and community leaders will frustrate
any attempt to reduce youth violence.
A major reason for the importance of this relationship is that the
job of the police is to apprehend criminals. When a conflict is
festering between two gangs, the police have no authority to intervene
until a crime has been committed. Street workers hired by the city
have been helpful in defusing some conflicts, but no organization
has been more effective than the Nation of Islam.
For decades the Muslims have worked in the prisons and helped those
incarcerated to adjust to civilian life upon their release. Although
they befriend and counsel those who have fallen into crime, the
Muslims live highly disciplined and almost ascetic lives. Residents
know that the FOI (Fruit of Islam) is the community’s army,
ready to confront any organized assault.
During the administration of Mayor Raymond Flynn, Don Mohammad,
leader of Boston’s Nation of Islam’s Mosque, a close
relationship was established that enabled police Commissioner Mickey
Roache and Minister Don to work together to reestablish the community’s
confidence in the police. The black community and the police had
become opposing hostile camps after several black men were shot
and killed by the police.
It took years of hard work by the Nation of Islam to reconcile those
two groups. The Muslims gave sensitivity training classes to the
police and walked the streets with the police to demonstrate the
reconciliation. Minister Don spoke to students in schools and met
with representatives of warring gangs over the negotiation table
at the Mosque.
After years of work the miracle happened, and some with brand new
programs had the temerity to take credit for the results. Now that
the problem of violence has recurred it is time for a united effort
to bring peace once again. Since the Muslims were so successful
before, it would be wise for community leaders to follow the direction
of the Nation of Islam. The youth violence must be stopped.
|
Melvin B. Miller
Editor & Publisher
Bay State Banner |
