Merle T. Rutledge Jr
700 Park Ave
Norfolk, Va 23504
To: Chesterfield County Leadership, Board of Supervisors,
Metropolitan Baptist Church Leadership, and Carver Middle School
faculty and staff.
It is very unfortunate that I send a e-mail out in the midst of a
tragedy, and a strong awakening to the violence that has encompass our
streets all across America. However, this young man that has carried
good character that has been demonstrated through his peers, in
regards to Devin Hawkins, gives us all hope that we are better than
any outside prejudice or stereo - type. My prayers and best wishes is
with the family of Devin Hawkins, and it is no way to even compare
what the family, and the community of the county of Chesterfield, Va
is going through. I hope this moment; as tragic as it is, will send a
loud defining message that individuals as well as households need to
be more accountable in crime prevention instead of being figureheads
or catalysts of our own destruction. In no way, can we diminish the
life of this gifted young man, as well as many others that have been
struck in the compacity of a by-stander. Overall, the community can
no longer stand bye and our biggest honor to his memory is for "all"
people to take a active role in uplift of all people. If their is
anything I can possibly do than I welcome much needed feedback,
because like Chesterfield, its other parts of Virginia; as well that
need to know this young man story. Like so many others that have
fallen and been fortunate to meet God in Heaven, and we should all try
to do our best to make sure this is not a habitual story. Hopefully
this story can show us ways to be habitual in success, in the midst of
tragedy. My prayers is with your whole community. I hope in the near
future that more projects and awareness can be done throughout the
state in order to curve those that are making split decisions and have
them making wise one's. I hope the criminals are brought to justice,
and the community work hard to make sure the police has its full
cooperation in this matter. Violence such as this should never be
tolerated and those responsible should be prosecuted with the full
weight of the law. We all; no matter how the prosecution of these
offenders may go, must act with conviction to enforce safety, uplift,
education, and leadership of our young people in these communities, as
well as others. We have a majority, more and more of less education
and awareness of the consequences of early life choices.
It is a long road, but we will keep saying its a long road, if we
never get started on the journey. Each and everyday I know some days
I want to quit, but issues, concerns, and policy initiatives and ways
to address them are becoming more limited, and it takes people in
public service, that continues to believe that we "all" can be better.
It starts with treating everyone equal and expecting the best out of
them; no matter what their current condition maybe or appear. I
thank you for your time and hope that we meet in the near future for
the purpose of positive interaction with matters that will bring a
better future for our children, and the generations that follow.
Thank You for your Time
Merle Rutledge Jr
Norfolk, Va
Civil Rights Activist
P.S. God bless everyone in your community and throughout the
Commonwealth of Virginia
