Dear editor:

On Tuesday, April 27, 2010, our community was shocked and saddened by the senseless murder of an innocent 3-year-old boy, Rosjah Butler. I asked myself when will the madness end?

Now four months later, Wesley Bell, Jessica Colon, Theodore Webster and Randi McNealy have also become victims of the ultimate crime, murder.

Seventeen-year-old Tasha Benjamin has gone missing and the community continues to search for her safe return.

Our prayers and sincere concerns go out to these families. We want them to know they are not alone; there are many victims in our area who are grieving the loss of loved ones.

Monday, July 26, 2010, at 6 p.m. at Fresh Anointing House of Worship, 2907 Citizens Parkway, Selma, will serve as host for SELMA Compassionate Friends Support Group Special Meeting.

All members of the community are invited to come and discuss the recent rash of murders that have affected us all. Non one person has the answers, but working together maybe we can accomplish something.

Pastors, ministers, politicians, businessmen and businesswomen, social service workers, teachers, doctors, house mothers, unemployed, lawyers, retired people, youth of all races are asked to come.

I plead to our young black men stop! Stop! Take a look in the mirror and stop killing yourselves.

We look forward to seeing you on July 26, 2010, at 6 p.m.

May God bless us all,

Barbara Brown

Selma