Support CNE Program to Address Violence in Muskegon County

This letter has been prepared in support and encouragement for the efforts and undertaking to work with the Center for Neighborhood Enterprises (CNE) to address violence in our urban communities. As you may be aware, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People recently published a report entitled Misplaced Priorities: Over Incarcerate, Under Educate. This report speaks to the dire need we have in the U.S. to change our investment strategies in order to position our nation for the competitive global market. Too many citizens are finding themselves caught in a net of despair with an inability to get themselves out absent intentional, relentless long-term public/private investment and vision.
We believe the decision to work with the Center for Neighborhood Enterprises utilizing its proven approach to violence intervention/prevention is the responsible thing to do. We trust that the effort will not be met with drought investment acumen. We applaud and are extremely impressed with the apparent willingness of our prosecutor, sheriff and local law enforcement to work with those citizens and organizations that have or are willing to come forward to address this challenge. We are confident that united and proactive we can accomplish much.
In closing, by action taken by the Muskegon Branch NAACP Executive Committee on behalf of the membership this 16th day of the month of April, 2011 I affix my signature acknowledging my support.