Message of hope planned for Mpls. anti-violence rally
The organizers of a weekend revival and rally against crime and violence in Minneapolis say they want to reach out directly to people who need help turning their lives around.
The Rev. Harding Smith said he invited Minneapolis mayoral candidates, the chief of police and several other pastors to attend.
The event, near Chicago and Franklin avenues, is planned for 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Smith said that too many people who live in the area struggle every day to escape poverty, crime, drug and alcohol abuse.
"There are people out there on the streets that are in a coma," Smith said. "They have been using drugs and alcohol for so long they are not even aware of the help that is out there. So we have to do our part in reaching out to these people."
Smith said that in the wake of a recent shooting that injured a 4-year-old boy, it's more important now than ever to spread a hopeful message.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.