Rally against guns and violence

by Robert Rios III

Prior to the Fireworks, barbacoas and celebrations honoring the birth of the nation this week, we took some time out to Rally for the gift of life, and against guns, violence and injustice. A life that still clings to light, fighting to survive and refusing to remain silent  –  the life of Yvette Torres.  

We first posted her story a few weeks ago at a time when the media’s focus was on more scandalous political matters. What little major news coverage was riddled in halve truths, forcing confusion and speculation over the still un-named gunman that shot this innocent girl in the back of her head, still remaining at large.

Being Latino’s own Nelson Figueroa, a long-time family friend of Jeanette and Evie Torres, worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the cause, getting the local media involved, providing the most current up-to-date information, and details on the community outreach plans. Though initially postponed due to scheduling conflicts, it came together in full force on July 2, in front of the building where the events took place. Joined by the Shy-Shy Foundation, created by Carol Alicea-Rivera and Stephanie Matiyosus  – in memory of her slain daughter Chantel Lamay Matiyosus.

They provided print-outs of our flier designed by Xeno Martinez, along with Assemblyman Jose Rivera who also provided further media coverage and spoke on behalf of his district 78. Reverend Dimas Salaberrios from Infinity Church provided  a sound system and stage, before heading out to rally elsewhere within the community on behalf of other innocent lives affected by needless guns and violence.

We made our presence aware to the residents of the neighborhood, reminding them that no matter what pop culture may dictate, it isn’t snitching when children are involved. We helped them see that all it takes is the courage to come forward, and that courage can only be found when support is offered. We appealed to people’s sense of decency and above all their hearts, hoping that evident proof of community encouragement would help them see that the livelihood of not only this young girl, but their neighborhood was at stake.

We posted fliers all around the area with a hotline where anyone seeking to do the right thing could leave information anonymously (347-670-3843), without fear of repercussion. However, our job is still not done, while such a display can make a difference, in order to see justice, it will require far more than just one day of coming together. We will continue to canvass the area this summer and in the weeks to come, for as long as Evie fights for her life, so will we.

The entire Being Latino family would like to send our continued support and prayers to Evie and the entire Torres family in their time of need. We would also like to express our deep gratitude for all of the sponsors and volunteers for donating their time and efforts to such a dire cause. Joe Bonilla, Nova-Rae Walbridge, BX News 12 Reporter Carmen Grant, Norwood News Reporter Fausto Giovanny Pinto, and everyone else. If anyone would like to contribute to the efforts, please don’t hesitate to contact Justice4Evie@gmail.com.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnV2aTngcL8&feature=player_embedded#at=954]

Events Director, Robert Rios III

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those
of the author and should not be understood to be shared by Being Latino, Inc.

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