Introduction to Circle of Brotherhood
For years, a South Florida nonprofit has tried to keep the streets safe from violence. But as we head into the summer months, the most violent time of the year, the group can no longer help their community.
The Rise in Violence
Summer is here and with the rise in temperature can come a rise in violence. Lamont Nanton, a community member, explains that "When you live in conditions that are not favorable, whether it’s the actual conditions of the home or the violence or just a lack of resources, it creates anger, it creates frustration."
The Buena Vista Neighborhood
This area in Miami near Liberty City is called Buena Vista. It’s public housing, where people in low-income brackets reside. Barbara French, a resident, shares her experience, "I got three kids and all four of us have been shot here." The neighborhood was once one of the most violent in Miami.
The Nonprofit’s Efforts
The nonprofit group, Circle of Brotherhood, started deploying peacemakers to the area. Men like Ernest, who was once involved in street violence and was shot and left paralyzed, are now trying to save others from a similar fate. The peacemakers work to de-escalate situations and teach others those same skills.
The Impact of the Program
The statistics support the effectiveness of the program, showing homicide rates have dropped by double-digit percentages in the areas patrolled by peacemakers. A resident comments, "Yeah, yeah it died down. Some people, they are scared to come back over and visit because of them." Ernest adds, "Look where you at man and you are still keeping your head down and still going out of this gate and going to make sure you handle your dreams, bro."
Loss of Federal Funding
Despite proof the program is working, federal funding for the Brotherhood has been cut. In April, Circle of Brotherhood executive director, Lyle Muhammad, received an email saying their three-year, $2-million grant was “terminated.” Lyle Muhammad expresses his concern, "For it to happen to be quite honest, days before summer, to me, that is actually a death wish."
Fundraising Efforts
The Circle of Brotherhood didn’t give up. The group went to work and started fundraising. A social media telethon brought in more than $75,000 in just three weeks. Lyle Muhammad comments, "It’s been beautiful to watch to me, to be honest. It’s not just the funds being raised, but it’s the awareness in the community that is being built."
The Future of the Program
For now, they are operating week-to-week until they meet their $1.6 million fundraising goal. That’s enough to keep the program running for one year. Lyle Muhammad emphasizes, "Our work has helped drive crime down across the entire county. This work is worthy of support."
Conclusion
The Circle of Brotherhood is looking for assistance to keep Miami neighborhoods safe after losing federal funding. The community is coming together to support the program, and it’s essential to continue this effort to reduce violence in the area.
FAQs
- Q: What is the Circle of Brotherhood?
A: The Circle of Brotherhood is a nonprofit organization that deploys peacemakers to areas with high violence rates to de-escalate situations and teach others those same skills. - Q: Why was the federal funding cut?
A: The reason for the cut in federal funding is not specified, but it has put the program’s future at risk. - Q: How can I help the Circle of Brotherhood?
A: You can help by donating to their fundraising campaign or spreading awareness about their work in the community. - Q: What is the goal of the fundraising campaign?
A: The goal is to raise $1.6 million to keep the program running for one year. - Q: How can I contact the Circle of Brotherhood or 7News for more information?
A: You can contact 7News at 305-627-CLUE or 954-921-CLUE, or email them at 7Investigates@wsvn.com.
