MARCHERS RALLY IN STREETS TO PROTEST CRIME

Community Unites Against Drugs, Gangs

The circle of hands blocked the intersection of Zenith Avenue and East
Bates Street on Friday night.

About 100 men, women and children gathered to march through East Lubbock to
protest the presence of drug dealers and violent criminals in their
neighborhood.

Tina Betts, president of the Cherry Point Neighborhood Association, said
the area of East Bates Street, Colgate Street, Cherry Avenue and Zenith
Avenue is rife with crime.

"We're going to sing and pray," she said. "We want to bring more attention
to where drug dealers are. If we can bring more awareness to what's going
on, we can make a difference."

Betts worked with Lubbock City Councilman T.J. Patterson to organize the
March Against Drugs, Gangs and Violence. They sent out fliers, called
friends and addressed church congregations to organize the protest.

For Patterson, it's the 77th such protest.

"Omission is just as bad as commission," he said. "If you look the other
way, it's just as bad."

Kevin McConic, who attends church in the area, braved the 98-degree heat to
join the throng who marched and chanted "No more drugs!" as Patterson led
them behind a fire truck.

"I think this shows a community standing together, recognizing that we're
not going to let drugs overtake the neighborhood, and seeing what happens
when people come together in unity."