PARADE AGAINST DRUGS MARCHES THROUGH SELMA

There was plenty of noise and activity going on across the city Saturday
morning as pastors, schools, and law enforcement agencies teamed up for the
annual Anybody Can Recover, Inc. Parade.

Those who participated in the parade were marching against drugs and
violence in the city.

Starting at Selma Middle C.H.A.T. Academy and winding its way through the
city to the Dallas County Courthouse, parade-goers wanted to remind
citizens of Selma that they cared about putting an end to violence.

The Revs. Ernest and Deborah Wright, organizers of the parade, say they
have been holding this event for the past nine years.

"It's all about drug awareness and community involvement," said Deborah
Wright. "We wanted to get as many people as possible to participate."

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office and other agencies set up booths in the
courthouse parking lot for drug displays and information about gun awareness.

"This is really a educational day for the youth," said Sheriff Harris
Huffman. "The more community involvement we have in Selma, the easier it's
going to be to curb crime. There are more honest, law-abiding citizens than
there are crooks."

Shortly after the parade, a torch run was held on Selma Avenue for fallen
victims of crime.

Those who lost relatives due to drugs and violence were invited to carry
torches in honor of their loved ones.

"With the torch lighting, we are hoping to send a message to the community
that we are aware of violence and crime in Selma, and we want them to help
us put a stop to it," Wright said.

According to Selma police Detective Sgt. Jimmy Martin, guns are involved in
90 percent of the homicides in Selma.

"We need to have parents be more responsible and aware of the dangers,"
Martin said. "Our main goal is to educate people more on firearms. The
combination of drugs and guns don't mix at all."

The Wrights say just by showing up for their parade, citizens were making a
statement against violence.

Those who participated in the parade say they hope their voices were heard
and maybe something will be done to stop the street crime in their community.