GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Only a few blocks away from Gerald R. Ford Middle School in Grand Rapids, crime tape told the story of several shootings that happened this week.
A family event Thursday evening at the school located in southeast Grand Rapids couldn’t have come at a better time. The event was called Believe to Become.
Community liaison Willie Patterson says he can’t imagine crimes like this, but especially around the holidays.
“I’m just hoping that out of this tragedy we come together and be safe and not have to worry in fear of something happening,” Patterson said.
Despite the crime in the area, kids and their parents can focus on the positives and have fun too. They eat, play Bingo, basketball and even put on skits.
Patterson says he’s glad he can help put together groups and make sure the kids are going to be safe. He just wants to put some of the negativity surrounding the community to rest.
“One bad apple, makes the whole bunch look bad. That’s not true, people at this event people are from all walks of life, there’s no violence here,” Patterson added.
