“PC Politics”: PHA Masons, Law Enforcement, Durham Clergy Plan ‘STAND 4 DURHAM’ Rally

Durham, NC –  The PHA Masons, Durham Police, Durham County Sheriff, and Durham Clergy United are answering a clarion call from City leaders and citizens. The City of Durham is facing a spike in gun violence. A total of 226 people have been shot in 2020 in the Bull City — that compares to 132 during this time last year. That represents a 60% increase. Of those 226 people shot, 204 of those were non-fatal, meaning that 22 have been fatal.

In this episode of “PC Politics” host, Phyllis Coley talks to Daniel T. Thompson, Most Worshipful Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM of North Carolina, about the collaboration between the Masons, Durham law enforcement, and the Durham clergy to address gun violence and other issues in the Bull City. Thompson says that out of that alliance came the upcoming rally, STAND 4 DURHAM. Watch “PC Politics” now as Grand Master Thompson tells us about the event, the partnership, and their missions and goals.

In August, Durham City Councilman Mark-Anthony Middleton launched a new initiative called 1,000 Black Men. Middleton announced the grassroots campaign on Facebook, asking Black men from all walks of life, educational backgrounds, and economic statuses to step up and join them.

“These thousand Black men will be a reserve force to muscularize initiatives that are already there, already going on in some instances,” Middleton said. “We’re not looking to come in and take things over. If you got a mentoring program going on in your neighborhood that needs more mentors, well, we have 1,000 Black men that are willing to immediately bolster what is already going on.”

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM of North Carolina, Durham Police, Durham County Sheriff, and the Durham Clergy United answered the call. Through a series of meetings, the alliance determined that with the depth of their respective memberships, they could make a difference. They could…STAND 4 DURHAM.

STAND is an acronym for Support, Teach, Accountability, Never Forget, and Devotion.

The STAND4DURHAM Rally will take place at 12 noon on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church (1007 S. Roxboro St.). The event is free and the public (any age, gender, race, ethnicity) is strongly urged to attend.

For more information, CLICK HERE.