Whenever a crime of any kind happens in G.W.C. Homes there are those who shrug their shoulders and move along. They think, “what’s new? Happens all the time there.”

While that thinking does exist, it is wrong, it is destructive to the efforts trying to end violent crime in Selma and it places a scarlet letter on the area that is both unfair and unwarranted.

Have crimes happened in G.W.C.? Yes. Have there been violent crimes there? Yes.

So, what separates them from other areas that are considered troubled? Why do they deserve that title?

In short, they don’t.

But, the challenge now for community leaders, city leaders and G.W.C. Home residents is to begin now changing.

It starts by standing up to a criminal element that has often times found safe harbor in the development.

It starts by working with police to have those who would commit crimes, those who would instill fear in residents, arrested, charged and convicted of their crimes.

It begins by standing up and saying the G.W.C. Homes area is home to historic Brown AME Chapel, not killers. It is the starting point for a historic march to Montgomery, not a place where drugs can be purchased.

It is home to where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of peaceful protest and God-given rights. It is where he united a community for a great cause. It is not a place where gun violence should ever happen, be allowed or condoned.

More security cameras, additional police presence and a future precinct are all good. But the real difference, if it is to be made, will begin with the hearts, the souls and the mouths of the residents of G.W.C. Homes.