National Night Out a ‘shut down’ event on Tate St.
http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/5132/1/National-Night-Out-a-shut-down-event-on-Tate-St/Page1.html
By Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Published on 08/5/2010
People on the 700 block of Tate Street in South Memphis this past Tuesday came from behind their locked doors and gathered with hundreds more for the 12th Annual National Night Out.
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People on the 700 block of Tate Street in South Memphis this past Tuesday came from behind their locked doors and gathered with hundreds more for the 12th Annual National Night Out.
National Night Out a ‘shut down’ event on Tate St.
by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to the Tri-State Defender
People on the 700 block of Tate Street in South Memphis this past Tuesday came from behind their locked doors and gathered with hundreds more for the 12th Annual National Night Out.
There was food, entertainment, and a multitude of grass-roots leaders taking a stand against crime.
“Every year, I have two big parties – two huge community celebrations,” said Betty Isom, the event’s organizer. “And every year, we shut it down over here in South Memphis. We are making a stand against crime, but there’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned block party.”
The South Memphis National Night Out typically is among the largest community gatherings held during the annual observance, local organizers said. The National Association of Town Watch (NATW), the event creator, estimated that 37 million people across America would participate in the 27th annual National Night Out, designed to generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood-police partnerships and send a message to criminals.
“Crime is up in many communities so NNO comes at an important time,” said Matt Peskin, who created the event for the National Association of Town Watch in 1984.
Isom said her event has grown steadily over the years, drawing dozens of commercial sponsors and block party revelers who seek to unite the community.
“Our sponsors donate and pay for everything we eat, entertainment is offered free of charge, and souvenirs are given to families who come out to participate in the South Memphis party,” said Isom.
A community parade kicked off festivities. Event sponsor All Star Barbershop offered special $5 haircuts all day Tuesday to celebrate and promote the NNO event. After enjoying barbeque ribs, chicken, hot dogs, and all the fixings, youth advocate Mizz Mary hosted an “after party” for the children and teens at “the room,” a popular meeting place. “Tonight, it’s all about our youth,” she said.
According to NATW, some 15,000 neighborhoods, communities and small towns sponsor parades, exhibits, law enforcement rallies, cookouts, block parties, and other activities to voice and show their commitment to making America’s streets safer.
Isom, a 57-year-old mother of eight, said she became an activist after she was robbed at gunpoint in her home.
“I was living in Claiborne Homes at the time, and a man stuck a gun in my face and covered my head,” she said. “I just knew I was a dead woman, but he didn’t kill me, thank God. I couldn’t get away from that place fast enough; I moved over here on Tate Street. I decided that starting a National Night Out movement here in South Memphis was necessary to inform and empower law-abiding citizens of all the tools we have available to fight crime.”
Some of the old values former generations grew up with also have been lost, Isom said. The block party event gives elders a chance to connect with younger ones.
“Many of our children have no home training,” said Isom. “They have no manners, no respect for older people. There is no connection with their past or their heritage. If we are going to change behavior, it has got to start with giving them a sense of who they are. Our people died so they could enjoy freedom and equality. There is a certain responsibility that comes with that.”
Special to the Tri-State Defender
People on the 700 block of Tate Street in South Memphis this past Tuesday came from behind their locked doors and gathered with hundreds more for the 12th Annual National Night Out.
 |
| National Night Out was another opportunity for Betty Isom and supporters to take a stand against crime in their neighborhood. (Photos by Warren Roseborough) |
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| On Tate St., National Night out was something to shout about it. |
“Every year, I have two big parties – two huge community celebrations,” said Betty Isom, the event’s organizer. “And every year, we shut it down over here in South Memphis. We are making a stand against crime, but there’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned block party.”
The South Memphis National Night Out typically is among the largest community gatherings held during the annual observance, local organizers said. The National Association of Town Watch (NATW), the event creator, estimated that 37 million people across America would participate in the 27th annual National Night Out, designed to generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood-police partnerships and send a message to criminals.
“Crime is up in many communities so NNO comes at an important time,” said Matt Peskin, who created the event for the National Association of Town Watch in 1984.
Isom said her event has grown steadily over the years, drawing dozens of commercial sponsors and block party revelers who seek to unite the community.
“Our sponsors donate and pay for everything we eat, entertainment is offered free of charge, and souvenirs are given to families who come out to participate in the South Memphis party,” said Isom.
A community parade kicked off festivities. Event sponsor All Star Barbershop offered special $5 haircuts all day Tuesday to celebrate and promote the NNO event. After enjoying barbeque ribs, chicken, hot dogs, and all the fixings, youth advocate Mizz Mary hosted an “after party” for the children and teens at “the room,” a popular meeting place. “Tonight, it’s all about our youth,” she said.
According to NATW, some 15,000 neighborhoods, communities and small towns sponsor parades, exhibits, law enforcement rallies, cookouts, block parties, and other activities to voice and show their commitment to making America’s streets safer.
Isom, a 57-year-old mother of eight, said she became an activist after she was robbed at gunpoint in her home.
“I was living in Claiborne Homes at the time, and a man stuck a gun in my face and covered my head,” she said. “I just knew I was a dead woman, but he didn’t kill me, thank God. I couldn’t get away from that place fast enough; I moved over here on Tate Street. I decided that starting a National Night Out movement here in South Memphis was necessary to inform and empower law-abiding citizens of all the tools we have available to fight crime.”
Some of the old values former generations grew up with also have been lost, Isom said. The block party event gives elders a chance to connect with younger ones.
“Many of our children have no home training,” said Isom. “They have no manners, no respect for older people. There is no connection with their past or their heritage. If we are going to change behavior, it has got to start with giving them a sense of who they are. Our people died so they could enjoy freedom and equality. There is a certain responsibility that comes with that.”