“‘Ground Zero’ is a block party for neighborhoods in need of resources and violence prevention,” said Kevin Muccular, an agent with the city’s Office of Neighborhood Safety. “This community needs this.”
The block party will feature live music, gospel and a series of speakers in an outdoor lot at 1443 Filbert St., in the heart of North Richmond.
The event begins today at 11 a.m.
North Richmond, much of which is unincorporated county lands, has a history of struggles with poverty and violence.
But it also has a history of tight-knit churches. Today’s event will take place on a lot adjacent to the McGlothen Temple Church of God in Christ, a historic local church that holds open community dinners each month.
“My desire is to make it a collaborative effort of all the churches in the North Richmond area,” said Albert Featherstone, a local leader and one of the event’s organizers.
Among the performers will be the Stockton-based Redemption Band, a troupe of men who call themselves former “consumers” of the services provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Their music combines religious teachings with hope and self-betterment.
“The outreach is designed to bring hope to the community and peace to our streets by sharing the love of God with the people,” Featherstone said.
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To God be the Glory for the things he has done. Today was wonderful the sky was blue the sun was out it was just beautiful, everything was peaceful and the band Redemption was excellent. there was peace, only God can do something so Great. I thank God that I was able to witness what happened today.