Call to Action in a City Looking for Answers

The latest round of murders in Pine Bluff brought the mayor and a handful of concerned citizens together for a march to highlight the city’s rising dismay.

“It’s bringing more of a negative spotlight to this city,” said Will Jenkins, who used his smartphone to post the event via Facebook live. “I own several buildings on Main, and they’re part of the revitalization. It’s too much senseless killing.”

In less than a week, three people have been killed in Pine Bluff. Police are working to solve the crimes, and community activists are calling on other residents to get involved in a full-scale campaign to address the issue of crime.

Chanting, “Stop the violence in our community, and it starts with me,” the group moved up Main Street to the steps of City Hall where Ten-Point, an organization focused on crime prevention, asked those interested in helping to sign up and pledge their commitment to fighting for the city’s future.

Mayor Shirley Washington expressed her concern as she stepped into the prayer circle before the march began. Several weeks ago, the mayor addressed a crowd gathered for the Annual Prayer Rally where she also appealed for an end to the violence.