Dammon Dunn

The mother of Chattanooga’s sixth homicide victim this year is encouraging area residents to attend a Stop the Violence block party today.

“I want us as a people to come together,” said Patricia McCrary. “I know we can’t stop (violence), but we’ve got to start somewhere.”

Ms. McCrary lost her 18-year-old son Tyrone Stewart less than a month ago after he suffered a fatal gunshot to the chest while attending a pajama party in a Dodds Avenue building, according to news reports. He was a former East Lake Courts resident.

The block party, scheduled for the East Lake Courts Recreation Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes 3-on-3 basketball, crafts, free food, drinks and music. The New Horizon Baptist Church choir will participate in a Stop the Violence rally at 6:30 p.m. at the center.

“I’m calling all mothers to step up to the plate,” Ms. McCrary said. “We need to take back our community from gangs, violence and the people who are on the corner selling drugs.”

Dammon Dunn, a community service representative with the Chattanooga Housing Authority, organized the event.

“Tyrone was one of my residents,” Mr. Dunn said. “I was close to Tyrone. I’m tired of talking. It’s time to show action.”

The block party could benefit the community by encouraging people to get out of their houses and talk to each other, officials said. When they get to know each other, they’ll have a knowledge of who belongs there and who doesn’t, Chattanooga Housing Authority Chief of Police Felix Vess said.

When they see a person who doesn’t belong, they can call the police, Chief Vess said.

Mr. Dunn said he hopes the party puts a stop to negative talk about the community and shows a positive side of East Lake Courts.

But a shooting occurred on the housing development site Friday morning when 21-year-old Montez McClendon was shot in the leg, according to police. Warrants were issued Friday afternoon for a suspect in the shooting, 21-year-old Gary Lee Brown, who is accused of aggravated assault and attempted first-degree murder, Chattanooga police Lt. Kim Noorbergen said in a statement.

Chief Vess said the violence has been senseless.

“The shootings are over ‘you called my girl this’ or ‘I’m mad at you for how you looked at me,’” he said.

IF YOU GO

What: Stop the Violence Block Party

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; rally at 6:30 p.m.

Where: East Lake Recreation Center, 3701 Dodds Ave.

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