LANSING, MI – A little rain could not dampen the spirit of those in attendance at Que’n with Kids on Saturday, August 21. The event was actually a gathering for peace in many of the attendees minds. Standing in the damp drizzle of the afternoon rain over 30 people shared a belief that our community can no long tolerate violence and the destruction that it causes. This unique local event invited the community to join together for a day of food, fellowship and a renewed commitment to alternatives to violence. It was especially geared towards youth, teenagers and their families.
Shaton Andrews, the 2010 Ionia Fair Idol winner sang “How do I Live Without You” to the crowd. They silently listened to the beautiful execution of the words and the song. When Andrews was finished, warm hugs and tears were shared by many.
John Edmond, the father of Amaia Edmond, the 7- year-old that was killed on July 23, 2010, spoke to the crowd about violence and its impact on families. He pleaded with those in attendance to consider the ramifications of the “Stop Snitching” campaign. High profile murders like Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. where witnesses are said to have been present but do not want to speak about what they saw, contribute to the high numbers of unsolved murder cases. Edmond said that the stigma against snitching needs to stop. He pleaded with those in attendance to step forward and cooperate with law enforcement if they ever had the opportunity to solve a crime.
Let the Healing Begin
The excitement began when the 496 Capital City Entourage Car Club drove through showing off their vehicles. The children had an opportunity to talk to them about their works of art and the car owners shared stories about what it took to build and restore their cars.
The coordinator of the car club, Brandon Edmonds, said, “We usually don’t take our vehicles out in the rain but this event was so important to us that we had to be here.”
Edmonds knows what it takes to raise a village. He is the owner of Supreme Clean Detailing and enjoys giving back to the community. On Friday, September 3rd and Saturday, September 4th, his business, Big B’Z Barbershop, NuVision Entertainment and various other businesses will have a “Back 2 School Give Back” event. They will be supplying children in need with school supplies and backpacks. Their goal is to give items to those in need before the first day of school.
Healing with Horses
Lee Ann Hull along with Christine Smith and Diane Galbavi from SierraRose Farms in DeWitt, MI were there to provide comfort and an opportunity to the attendees to learn about miniature horses. Lee Ann Hull was born with a passion for horses and a keen knowledge for the comfort they provide to those who have been emotionally scarred by abuse or grief.
In 2001 Hull established Sierra Rose Farms in DeWitt, Michigan. “Horses and kids…that’s how it all started. Horses respond to what a person is feeling and their emotions regardless of what they are displaying outwardly,” said Hull.
SierraRose Farms Healing Hearts with Horses Foundation began in memory and because of Molly Kate, a young relative of Hull’s. On a 20-acre ranch the multi-faceted, nonprofit organization offers Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs using miniature horses ranging from specialized group or personal programs to retreats for children and women living in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton and surrounding counties. These programs involve hands-on interaction between individuals and miniature horses.
Hull said, “We have programs that are designed to parallel and individual’ personal needs. When working with our horses, those who suffer from depression, anxiety, grief or self-doubt realize a sense of identity and peace that is missing from their lives.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Outstate Michigan and a group of tri-county area children were recently on hand to help celebrate a $6,000 grant award to SierraRose Farms Healing Hearts with Horses Foundation. The grant will help SierraRose Farms expand its EAL programs.
The Sun Will Come Out
Two hours into the event, the sun began to shine brightly and more people began to trickle into to the Mc Mathis Counseling parking lot located at 1615 E. Michigan Avenue. The celebration of life, love and peace peaked when the music finally began to play and the sun dried the puddles of water. There was face painting, games, raffles and crafts. Teenage performers from the New Beginnings Ministry praise dance group and singer, Azhana Littlejohn, amazed the crowd with their talents.
Those who gathered had a shared belief that we can no longer tolerate senseless deaths and violence in our community.
Angela Austin said, “The Community Coalition for Youth and One Love Global were honored to partner with The New Citizens Press this year for Power of 9 and especially enjoyed Que’n with Kids. The focus on families affected by violence is of particular importance as we have also collaborated on projects to raise awareness of gun violence for more than a year. Power of 9 was created to provide fun, safe and educational entertainment events for teens and tweens and this year we focused encouraging young people’s creative talents and outreach to families. Que’n provided a much-needed outlet for young artists to express themselves in front of an audience through song, dance and poetry.”
Children and adults alike gathered around Jen Loforese, Coordinator, Violence Intervention and Prevention Project at Gateway Community Services, who volunteered to paint faces, as she painted Edmonds arm with Amaia’s name on it and a butterfly. Edmond smiled broadly and said, “Que’n with the kids was an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and become familiar with one another. I hope that it is bigger and better next year,” said Edmond.
The event ended with the sun shining brightly and a testament that prayer and hope could bring almost 100 people to a place where peace and prosperity flourished.
This was originally published in the August 29, 2010 – September 11, 2010 edition.
