NEW ORLEANS — After a mass shooting rocked the St. Roch neighborhood Sunday during the 9 Times second line New Orleans culture bearers are speaking out against gun violence.
“We're at a loss for words, were shaken up today," said Kim Charbonnet, President of the Six Ward Steppers Social Aid and Pleasure Club. “Not only are they endangering the life of who they are going after, you have thousands of people out there. Now a joyous occasion becomes a dangerous occasion.”
Charbonnet says Sunday's tragedy causes concern for other clubs who host large second line events.
“It was horrible," she said. "Second lines are not known for that. We prepare all year for our parades. We try to provide a safe environment because not only are we out there, but our families are out there, our neighbors are out there, and our community is out there.”
On Monday, she gathered with her club members to talk about solutions and to ask tough questions.
“Our event has become targeted," she said. "We don’t encourage this. Not only is it bad for us, it’s bad for the city.”
Rodrick Davis Sr., also known as King Scubble the Foot Work King, and Lonzell Stirgus, aka Broadway Zell, are the leaders of the 9 Times Kids, a group of young second line dancers who were out dancing when shots were fired. Both men say Sunday's shooting left them hurt and confused.
“That’s why you see me each and evert Sunday gathering kids and getting them to dance because everybody is not going to be a basketball or football player but right here In your city, In your culture you can be your own legend," said Davis Sr.
They believe more needs to be done to find a solution to the violence.
“In order for us to stop it, we got to take action in these kids lives, not just me, not just my club members, not just the select members that I know of. Everybody,” he said.
As far as the person responsible, “I pray for them, like we praying for the city, we need to pray for them," said Kenard Landry, founder of Ward Kulture clothing.
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