Safe Haven Center to hold Stop the Violence in drive-through Monday

Published 8:37 am Sunday, January 17, 2021

The Safe Haven Center will celebrate its 20th Anniversary of A Stop the Violence rally in a different way on MLK Day.

The march begins at noon Monday the steps of Brown Chapel AME Church. Participants will get in their vehicles and drive across the Edmund-Pettus Bridge because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will also have a few guest speakers, including Senator Malika Sanders Fortier, Author and Filmmaker Silky Slim, Jubilee Founder Faya Rose Touré, Councilman Atkin Jameson, Alabama Justice Initiative Founder LaTonya Tate, Transform Alabama Founder Dr. Adia Winfrey, Author Kathryn Galloway, Minister Keith Williams, and Selma Mayor James Perkins.

Rev. Michael Bowen of the Safe Haven Center, who organizes the event, said the coronavirus has impacted this year’s rally.

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“It’s very frustrating,” Bowen said. “We can’t stay locked up inside the house. That’s why we’re having everyone stay in their cars and drive across the bridge.”

Monday is MLK holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who would’ve turned 91 this week.