On Wednesday (August 7), over 3,000 Harlem residents and supporters alike showed up – and showed out – to the Harlem Children’s Zone’s 25th Annual Children’s March for Peace. Yet more impressive than the size of the turnout was the size of the participants, as most of those rallying for justice were, in fact, just kids.
With members ranging in age from 3 to 23, Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) is one of the largest and most notable justice reform programs in New York City, spearheaded primarily by the youth. According to HCZ’s website, the student-led March for Peace was initiated over two decades ago after an elementary school girl fell victim to a stray bullet while in her Harlem home. When the victim’s death went practically unacknowledged due to the overwhelming neighborhood crime rate at the time, students and staff organized what would be the initial, official Children’s March for Peace.
Written by Soraya Joseph@Bet.com
With members ranging in age from 3 to 23, Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) is one of the largest and most notable justice reform programs in New York City, spearheaded primarily by the youth. According to HCZ’s website, the student-led March for Peace was initiated over two decades ago after an elementary school girl fell victim to a stray bullet while in her Harlem home. When the victim’s death went practically unacknowledged due to the overwhelming neighborhood crime rate at the time, students and staff organized what would be the initial, official Children’s March for Peace.
Written by Soraya Joseph@Bet.com