Worcester, MA
On Monday, September 22nd, in front of 60 neighbors and friends, Jen Solin of Women Together expressed her heartfelt condolences to the students of Becker College that joined to say NO to violence. "We want you to know that we are here for you. You are not alone in this tragedy."
Less than two weeks earlier, Women Together celebrated the opening of 'Our Neighborhood Peace Park' at the corner of Pleasant and Winslow Streets. It is a memorial to the young adults from our neighborhood who have lost their life to violence. Women Together members expressed sadness that we have lost another young life to violence. Their work for peace is ongoing.
Now, many Women Together members, along with representatives from Elm Park Community School, East Highland Area Neighborhood Association, John Street Baptist Church, Becker College, and Worcester City Council, joined at the corner of North Ashland and Ormond Streets to acknowledge the violent murder of Will Smith. Colorful signs read 'terminemos la violencia', 'No violence here, not anywhere', and 'Women Together stands for peace in our neighborhood'.
The number of Becker students in attendance evidenced that although just weeks into his first semester as a student at Becker College, Will Smith had made special connections with many students. Turnout from the community showed that this act of violence affects everyone, even those who didn't know the victim.
Those interested in getting involved with Women Together can call 508.754.7793.