The word &uot;mafia&uot; usually carries a negative term symbolizing violence and outright rebellion against the law. A local group of mothers, tired of the crime being committed in their city, is hoping to change all of that.

The group, known as P-M.A.F.I.A, which stands for Peace-Mothers Angered Forced Into Action, is holding a march this Saturday to commemorate the victims of past and present violent crimes.

Member Pat Page said the event will begin at 1 p.m. at Tipton Jr. High School and involves the participation of various other local organizations.

The mothers of Authur Lee Soles Jr. and Curtis Failes, who was killed in Lowndes County, are just a few who will be at the march and rally that day.

Beginning at the school and continuing to the corner of Roosevelt Avenue and Highway 80 East, marchers will be lead by the Southside High School band.

Barbara Brown, who leads the group Citizens Against Violence, said she applauds P-M.A.F.I.A. for taking the lead role in this action.

Brown said she would like to see more community leaders take a stronger role in fighting crime.

Brown said she finds it appalling that nine murders have occurred in Selma this year and feels something needs to be done about it.

After the march, P-M.A.F.I.A. will focus on seeking programs through other organizations, such as, tutoring for exit exams, monitoring, GED classes, esteem building, and jobs for youths in the community.