Crawford Park Picnic Brings Community Together

Saturday, August 4th 2007, 4:19 pm

By: News On 6

Some north Tulsans took a stand against violence Saturday at Crawford Park. You may remember it's the place where a dozen teens were injured after a shooting back in March. Now there are signs of healing as those who are fed up feed the positives they say are all around them. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports it's a picnic with all the fixings.

â€œIt's been so long since I've had a picnic outside. The food was excellent, my compliments to the chef,â€ said Tulsa resident Kevin Ingram.

But food isn't the only thing on the menu.

â€œWe're about the business of reclaiming the parks for our community, and so we wanted to bring the picnic here and let folks know these are wonderful parks and come into our own community and enjoy ourselves without any problems from the outside,â€ said North Peoria Church of Christ Minister Dr. Warren Blakney Sr.

Sounds easy, but last March a day at the park turned violent after shots erupted. About a dozen teens were injured. Dr. Blakney says north Tulsans have to pull together to make sure it doesn't happen again.

â€œI'm not going to say there aren't some difficult times here in the community when it comes to shootings and other things, but that is not characteristic of the whole community,â€ Blakney said.

So, they're focusing on what they say most don't see, positive outlets, full of positive people.

â€œI think everybody is having a good time,â€ said Tulsa resident Natasha Chatam.

â€œAs far as strengthening community, I think it's vital,â€ said Ingram. â€œItâ€™s important that they have community events like this because it brings together people and unifies the community.â€

Watch the video: Residents Come Together For Community Picnic