Stop Violence in Our Community

By Deborah M. Walker

 

Dominique Ardister was looking forward to celebrating his mother’s 50th birthday now he will never get to see that day.

 

“He was a strong, smart, loving young man who was looking forward to his mambo turning 50,” said Monica Blackwell, mother of murder victim Dominique Ardister.

 

Dominique Ardister was killed on May 25, 2012. He was only 29 years old. A father, son and friend Ardister put his family first and protected those he loved according to his mother.

 

“You couldn’t approach me because he would always step up like that’s my mom,” said Blackwell as she remembered her son.

 

Blackwell says she was very close to her son. She looked forward to his daily telephone calls. Blackwell let out a soft laugh as she remembered the special name he used to call her.

 

“Hearing him call me Mombo,” Blackwell said. “That’s what he called me sometimes. I just miss his voice. We used to talk every day. He used to call me at work just to talk.”

 

Blackwell says her son’s death has impacted her family significantly. Blackwell says her family remains strong but the death of her son has changed their lives forever.

 

“I notice that there is a difference in how we interact with each other. At first it seemed like it brought us super close, but I think as time went on everybody started dealing with it in their own way. It’s not that we are not close. People are more quiet and don’t want to talk about it. It’s very emotional,” Blackwell said.

 

Blackwell says she is dealing with the death of her son as best as she can, but nothing can take away the hurt and pain she feels. Blackwell says support for her has been tremendous, yet no one can replace her son.

 

“People try to be supportive but there’s really nothing that anybody can do. Being there helps but there’s really nothing that you can do to help fill the emptiness, that gap in my heart. I appreciate when people come by, but there is nothing that they can do. But I do have a support-system,” said Blackwell.

 

Unfortunately, Blackwell’s story is far too common. Murder continues to be the scourge of society and unless something is done this condition will continue to plague us. Blackwell says not to ignore the problems that may cause violence.  Taking action as soon as an issue arises can defer a confrontation and possibly save a life she added.

 

“Rather they are grown or not try to get involved if they have an issue,” said Blackwell. “Dominique had an issue. He knew that something was going to happen he even asked me what he should do. The only thing I could think of was to contact the police, which we did, but that didn’t stop it apparently.”

 

“But just stay involved. Just because your children grow up it doesn’t mean they don’t need guidance,” said Blackwell.

 

Even with the help of loved ones or the police, hostile situations may not get resolved and as with the case of Ardister it could turn deadly. Further action is needed to ensure that another young life is not needlessly lost to violence. The most common sense precaution is to take a personal responsibility approach.

 

Lansing Police Department Sargeant David Ellis says the best thing anyone can do to keep themselves safe is to be a good judge of character and stay away from people who are involved in criminal activities. Ellis says often times victims know their assailants. Ellis says individuals have control over their own lives. Ellis says the best way to avoid dangerous situations is to avoid dangerous people and watch friendships and associations.

 

“The majority of those [murders] and I say that the majority not all you have a known assailant. We know each other. We have a relationship of some kind. It’s not an easy thing to pin point to say that it’s a neighborhood issue it’s more of a personal relationship issue,” said Ellis.

 

But not everyone agrees. Linda Brundage State Chapter Lead for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense says it is not just up to the individuals to keep themselves safe the real issue is ready access to guns. Legislation calling for more gun sense is the only way to stop murder and gun violence.

 

“Guns are very accessible, they’re very easy to get and there’s a ton of research that says the more people who have guns the more deaths there are,” says Brundage.

 

Brundage says relaxed gun laws and lack of public knowledge concerning gun laws are the root cause of the problem. Brundage says most people do not know or understand our gun laws and therefore do not know the danger these laws possess and that puts us all at risk.

 

“Lots of people for instance don’t know that you can go down Michigan Avenue carrying an assault weapon and you can,” said Brundage. “The other day I followed a guy into Meijer that had guns on both hips. All of that is legal.”

 

Brundage says one way to cut down on murder in our society is to require background checks for individuals looking to purchase any firearm. According to Brundage 40 percent of all gun sales in the United States go unchecked. Requiring a background check for all gun sales including internet sales will help to curb the number of illegal guns on the streets and help ensure people purchasing guns are not criminals or mentally ill.

 

“Vote for background checks is a start,” says Brundage. “Tell your legislators that you want them to have common sense and urge them to support House Bill 4774 at the state level and House Bill 1565 at the federal level. The background check bill for Michigan, House Bill 4774, has been in committee since last May and Michigan deserves a hearing.”

 

But that is not enough. Brundage says more measures are needed to ensure are safety. Brundage says to vote for House Bill 4104 and 4105 which bans guns from schools and libraries. Brundage says Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense is also calling for product oversight of guns and ammunition, child-safe gun technology, a ban on assault weapons and ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and the community support of companies that promote gun safety.

 

“We are going to counter the gun industries efforts to weaken existing gun laws in our state and nation,” said Brundage.

 

Brundage says she will never give up.

 

“Moms are down for the count,” said Brundage. “Moms Demand Action will continue to fight for common sense gun regulation.”

 

Murder can be prevented. With everyone’s help we can make a difference. Standing up and taking action now will create a safer world for all to enjoy later.

 

“We need to avoid situations like this. Even the people that did this I would never ever wish it on their parents or their friends or family,” said Blackwell.

 

Editor’s note:  If your family has been impacted by murder please contact, The New Citizens Press Community Action Network (TNCPCAN) at 517-372-8466.  We will be having a dinner during National Crime Victim’s Rights Week on Monday, April 7th at Lansing City Hall at 124 W. Michigan Avenue.  Please be there by 6:00 pm. We will be serving dinner promptly.  City Council starts at 7:00 pm.  Please contact us and give us a head count if you are attending the event.

 

This was printed in the March 23, 2014 – April 5, 2014 edition