LITTLE ROCK, AR — A rash of killings over the weekend in Little Rock alarmed residents and again is leading some to question whether enough is being done to prevent crime in the city.
There have been 38 killings so far this year. In all but six both the victim and suspect were African American. Two of three murders over the weekend also fit that mold.
That’s leading to questions about whether mayor Mark Stodola is fulfilling promises laid out in his “State of the City” speech in March — including that he would formulate a task force to address black on black crime.
Reverend Benny Johnson with Arkansas Stop the Violence says seven months later, the task force hasn’t been formed.
“We’ve had many homicides since then and it let me know he’s not serious about what he says he’s gonna do,” Johnson said.
In a statement, Stodola said work on the initiatives laid out in the “State of the City” speech has begun and will continue over the next several months.
He says the city is working with local ministers to identify youth mentors in the community.
The mayor says he’s also working with a group of about 50 other mayors on a strategy to curb violence among African American boys and men.
There have been 38 killings so far this year. In all but six both the victim and suspect were African American. Two of three murders over the weekend also fit that mold.
That’s leading to questions about whether mayor Mark Stodola is fulfilling promises laid out in his “State of the City” speech in March — including that he would formulate a task force to address black on black crime.
Reverend Benny Johnson with Arkansas Stop the Violence says seven months later, the task force hasn’t been formed.
“We’ve had many homicides since then and it let me know he’s not serious about what he says he’s gonna do,” Johnson said.
In a statement, Stodola said work on the initiatives laid out in the “State of the City” speech has begun and will continue over the next several months.
He says the city is working with local ministers to identify youth mentors in the community.
The mayor says he’s also working with a group of about 50 other mayors on a strategy to curb violence among African American boys and men.
