by S. Rotan Hale
The world is in a state of constant chaos with conflict coming from all angles. War, floods, famine, terrorism both foreign and domestic as well as inner city crime and gun violence all seem to rise with each passing day.
As this is just “news” to some, there are those who take it more seriously and have hit the ground with efforts geared toward change. One of those is Shawn Hunter.
Hunter is a local community activist who has just launched Paradise Cathedral Community Outreach Center, a headquarters for anyone interested in waging war on manny of the ills that plaque Roanoke’s urban communities.
“I have had two friends of mine murdered in the short time I’ve been here and had to sit down and console grieving mothers and it is a pain that often never goes away and we don’t want people to start getting use to it like business as usual,” he emphasized.
“We have a plethora of churches in this neighborhood and I’m particularly reaching out to them for support,” he said and made the point that “churches historically have always been the cornerstone of the Black neighborhood.”
Consequently after 6 months of negotiation and preparation, the center opened with an official ribbon cutting September 29 attended by several city officials and local community leaders. Housed in the fully refurbished basement of the church on Melrose Ave., Hunter sees the facility as an oasis of hope and empowerment in the heart of the city.
The center offers a computer lab with high-speed internet, workout room with an extensive line of equipment, a fully equipped kitchen, a game/activity room and a sizable community room that Hunter says will soon have several large flat screen TVs. None of this would have been possible without the support of and partnership with church pastor Bishop Joseph Mayo.
Most notable is Hunters positive and upbeat spirit that he wears like an armor. He is no fledgling to activism. His office walls are peppered with photos of him with such notables as Min, Louis Farrakhan, former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder and others along with citations and activism awards from local groups and organizations.
The Washington DC native came to the area via Covington and in 2013 earned a degree in business and administrative management from Virginia Western Community College. He is a conscientious man on a mission with a history of stimulating personal empowerment for individuals who might be otherwise looked over or like many who are hopelessly entangled in a failed system.
Since coming to the area, Hunter who is a certified and trained facilitator, has started and been a part of a host of initiatives and various community projects. His most recent is the newly formed 100 Fearless Peacemakers Community Patrol.
“Every weekend we are going into high crime areas of the city particularly when night clubs begin to let out to make sure everyone leaves the premises safely.”
Hunter said his “Peacemakers” will be working in connection with RCPD and trained in conflict resolution that will enable them with skills to effectively intervene in potentially volatile situations.
“Sometimes a person with a cool and objective approach can de-escalate a situation before someone gets hurt,” he added, “but you have to have the proper training.” The men and women (age18 to 35) will be dispatched in groups of 10 as an extra precautionary measure he noted.
“I can help those who enter the program get into a trade as roofing, plumbing, electrical which hopefully will lead to a career in a chosen field as many lack skills which is a major part of the problem,” he added.
Hunter is also working on establishing a boxing gym as part of the curriculum whereby program participants will be scuttled to the facility in southeast–as yet plans have not been finalized.
Soldiers like Shawn Hunter and his entire team may not save the world but thanks to his vision and tireless efforts, hopefully a difference will be made in our communities on some level.
The center is open Mon. – Fri. from 1 to 3pm, and next month will start being available for after school children from 4 – 8 pm.
To join the mission or to support call: 540.343.3644
