Michael McKissic II was murdered on August 1, 2015. The case is unsolved. Natasha Hall, his sister, received a photo with his image added. Hall stated that the photo is perfect because she feels that he is always with her. Also children pictured from left to right are Aiyana Hall (daughter), Amiyah Morris (niece) and Gervon Hall (son).
Photo by Satin Moseley
LANSING, MI — The New Citizens Press Community Action Network (TNCPCAN) will open 2016’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), observed April 10–16, with a dinner and ceremony. Both will be held on Monday, April 11, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Lansing City Hall located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue in Lansing, MI. The dinner will precede the city council meeting in the lobby area at 6:00 pm. City Council will begin at 7:00 pm.
TNCPCAN promotes victims’ rights while honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. The theme is —Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope — presents the opportunity to highlight the importance of providing needed services at the earliest stage of victimization. Early intervention helps prevent both further victimization and involvement in the criminal justice system, thus addressing the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.
We will be honoring families of murder victims and crime victims at a gathering sponsored by Haven Smoke Shop, Wendy’s (Southside Lansing), Ingham County Prosecuting Office, Angelo’s Gift and Alicia’s Catering.
An important element in promoting victim and family empowerment is providing an atmosphere where victims are believed and supported by their community. In such an atmosphere, victims feel safer and are more apt to share that they have been victimized and reach out for assistance. Furthermore, when we engage communities in victim response, they are better prepared to deal with the tragic issues that surround violence and murder. During NCVRW, we are reminded that many challenges remain, especially when it comes to unsolved murders, as well.
Slated to speak are: Rev. Dr. Kay Porter from St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, Councilwoman Carol Woods and James McCurtis the Manager of the Crime Victim Services Commission for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). There will also be family members of murder victims who will be speaking as well.
TNCPCAN encourages widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. Last year over 125 people attended the event.
For additional information about 2016 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, to volunteer locally and/or how to help victims in your community, please contact TNCPCAN or Rina Risper at 517-282-3961. For more ideas on how to volunteer to help crime victims, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website, www.ovc.gov.
This was printed in the April 3, 2016 – April 16, 2016 edition.
