Local community members teamed up with law enforcement Saturday for the 2nd annual "Battle of the DJ’s" at Campbell Park in St. Petersburg.
- Organizers hope the event will decrease violence in their community
- Designed to bring law enforcement and residents together
- Attendees also had opportunity to pick up school supplies
Fed up with violence in her community, Theresa "Momma Tee" Lassiter started the event last year in an effort to bring everyone together.
Local DJ’s and dancers had a little friendly competition, while community members and local youth spread a message of hope.
"The shootings, it's not right, just little stuff can trigger big big stuff in the community," 13-year-old Timothy Jones said.
Kids and families got to meet with and get to know police officers and firefighters who work in their communities every day.
"13 and 14 year olds are involved in gangs and things like that," said Timothy. "I don't think that's right. They should be doing out of school activities, like extra curriculars."
Timothy attended Saturday’s event. He has dreams of becoming a journalist, and works hard to stay on the right track.
He said he’s disheartened by the crime happening in and around his neighborhoods. That’s why he and other kids his age came together with posters, essays, and words of encouragement that violence is never the answer.
"I want them to know that they are loved by me, by Chief Holloway, " said 'Momma Tee.' "That we’re all in this together. All this black-on-black arguing or 'you own the street, this is my territory,' all that foolishness needs to stop."
Kids and families also had the opportunity to win prizes and pick up free school supplies at Saturday’s event.