Let the violence end now, and we will help any youth who want to leave gang life. That's the message Mayor Sam Adams and the Gang Violence Task Force issued Friday, responding to the recent shooting of 19, year-old Andre Dupree Payton.
"From those that are assembled here today: we demand peace; and we recommit ourselves to provide the resources to anyone who wants to leave the life of gang violence."
The task force met Friday morning at the Northeast Police Precinct. In attendance were the mayor and Rob Ingram, who leads the city's Office of Youth Violence prevention, along with outreach workers, police and parole officers, and 50 or so representatives of youth nonprofits and concerned community members. The group works together to deliver opportunities and support to at-risk youth.
They also will attend the public viewing and funeral for the slain teen. His family and friends are pleading for gang members to refrain from further violence.
Arrangements for Andre Payton's funeral are:
Public Viewing:
Monday, October 4
First Call Plus
4835 NE Pacific Street (come in from NE Halsey Street & NE 52nd)
Portland, OR
Funeral Service and Reception:
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
Maranantha Church of God
4222 NE 12th Avenue (NE Skidmore)
Portland, OR 97211
