Real Life Real Faith Wisdom for Everyday Life July/ August | Page 12

WISDOM FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

COMMUNITY
HEROES AND
SHEROES
Another organization, the Live In Peace (LIP)
Movement, led by charismatic Pastor Mo
(Maurice Hardwick), springs into action to
comfort families affected by violence or
death.
Pastor Mo literally adopts families whenever a child
is murdered, as we have heard some of the recent
stories of drive-by deaths, like Chanell Berry and
Devontae Mitchell. But, also very quietly, Pastor Mo
and his LIP members visit the Neighborhood Service
Organization (NSO) every Tuesday, to pass out food,
toiletries and other life-giving materials to homeless
and indigent Detroiters in the Cass Corridor area. A
deeply religious man, Pastor Mo is a former drug
dealer who had a spiritual awakening. He now is
determined to repair the same city he once worked
to destroy.
The final organization I want to recognize is actually
several groups who are banding together as one,
under the banner of “Man Up, Guns Down.” This
initiative, sparked by a collaboration with the Detroit
Police Department and Chief James Craig, combines
the efforts of Detroit 300, Minister Malik Shabazz,

Mothers of Murdered Children, Teferi Brent of
Fellowship Chapel and many other community
groups into a single purpose, to root out crime and
violence in our toughest neighborhoods. Every few
weeks, these groups take to the streets, in a show of
strength and solidarity, to awaken Detroiters to the
hidden power they possess to make their own
streets safe again. Born out of Chief Craig’s desire to
restore order “one neighborhood at a time,” the
group launched an effort after the senseless killings
of two young children in the westside neighborhood
near 7 mile and Greenfield. Now, their efforts are
spreading across the city and picking up steam.
The biggest idea I want to leave with you is this…
don’t sit on the sidelines while others act to “get
involved.” YOU must get in the game and have an
impact too! There is enough work to go around and
your city needs you. So, step up Detroiters, and
become the hero or sheroe of your block,
neighborhood or community. I have given you some
great leads to get involved. Now, get busy.
Mr. Stephen Grady presently serves as the Chief of
Staff for Detroit City Council. President Brenda
Jones. In his role as Chief of Staff, he directs strategic
operations for the Office ofthe Council President,
including, all legislative and administrative
operations, as well as community relations. He is
formerly an Organizational Development Consultant
and the owner of Ridgewood Consulting, where he
provided consulting, training and facilitation services
for numerous clients.