Led by local business owners, Central District community gathered for a conversation about community safety on Monday afternoon at Made Space following a wave of violence across the neighborhood and the city. Led by area business owners, community advocates, artists, residents and more were all present to propose and discuss possible solutions. 

“It was full of energy and a lot of action items came out of this,” Black Coffee Northwest Owner Darnesha Weary said. “We feel like we’re the ones who need to be at the table having these conversations, and this is how things need to be done. Everyone is going to have a call to action and we have all the resources within our Black community anyway.”

The meeting comes after a shooting outside of A 4 Apple Learning Center left windows shattered while children were in the classroom, and another which led to the closure of iconic business The Postman one year after the tragic murder of D’Vonne Pickett Jr. 

“It feels great to know that we’re loved, we’re not forgotten. Our community just wants to love on us,” A 4 Apple Learning Center Founder Appollonia Washington said. “It’s beyond 23rd and Jackson - It’s what we can do as a community to support our entire neighborhood. We can’t just depend on city leadership - it’s up to us as community leaders.”

Communion Restaurant and Bar Owner and Chef Kristi Brown was inspired by the meeting, saying that while she may not have all the answers she’s excited to take the steps that she can to help those around her.

“There’s been a lot of things going on that have us not feeling safe, and we’re looking for ways we can create solutions for ourselves,” Brown said. “One thing that I’m searching for is solutions for how to respond to mental health crises.”

Many left the meeting feeling hope and strength. Community members came in with a goal, and many of those who spoke feel that they got a positive conversation started and that things can move in the right direction.

“We want to bring legacy and make change, and be strategic about how we do that,” Weary said. “It’s about understanding how the systems work and having clear plans.”

The meeting was a reminder to many of the power that comes with community, and that bonding through hard times has the potential to lead to powerful and positive impacts on all levels.