2017 MLK 5K Race to Stop the Violence Feb. 18

2017 MLK 5K Race to Stop the Violence Feb. 18

Funds to support efforts to reduce black- on- black violence In Arkansas

www.arkansaspress.org LITTLE ROCK — The 2017 Martin-Luther King 5K Race to Stop the Violence will be held Saturday, February 18th organizers announced today. Proceeds from sponsorships and entry fees will be used to help fund an innovative new approach to help reduce black on black violence implemented by the Derek Olivier Research Institute at Arkansas Baptist College.

Derek was a student murdered in the College's neighborhood in September, 2012 and this event will launch the “Derek O. Movement to Stop the Violence.”

“As we celebrate Black History during the month of February, the 5K event will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and his approach to equality through non-violence,” said Dr. Fitz Hill, Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist College Foundation. “We have established a lofty goal for Black History month. As we prepare for National Black History month, let us honor our forefathers who died for our freedom and our right to a life of equality in every way, by honoring and respecting the very life and opportunity they worked so hard to create. Join us in committing to refrain from any act of violence within our community, by members of our community, toward each other or anyone else, no matter the reason.”

“The goal of the Derek O.

Movement to Stop the Violence is to have no murders or violence in the city of Little Rock during the month of February as we celebrate Black History month. We know that we will need blessings from the Lord for this to happen and we are asking that everyone join in our community prayer request.”

The impact that violence has on our children is just beginning to be understood by social scientists and health professionals, but some studies suggest that a child that is exposed to even one incidence of violence in their home or immediate surroundings is forever traumatized, and this trauma impacts them intellectually, physically, and emotionally for the rest of their lives in profoundly negative ways.

Immediately following the 5K, the Our Kids Program, led by Little Rock Police Department, Sgt. Willie Davis, and DORI's Director, Mr. Eric Higgins, will host a forum at Dunbar Middle School that describes the negative consequences associated with each homicide in our communities.

Go to www.MLKracetostopthevi olence.org for more information.

From the Arkansas Press Association