Hands Across Harlem: Combating Violence Through Direct Action

A Proposal for Combating Violence in Harlem’s Communities

Through DIRECT ACTION

HANDS ACROSS HARLEM is a concept that was developed by a coalition of concerned individuals who are committed to reducing violence in Harlem communities through direct action.  Our goal is to encourage Harlem residents and their supporters to mobilize the resources required to organize a collaborative direct action effort that will engender safer neighborhoods and healthier environments.

Implementing HANDS ACROSS HARLEM entails creating a human chain with participants in HANDS ACROSS HARLEM tee shirts holding hands and singing “This Little Light of Mine”.  The chain will begin at 2^nd Avenue on the South side of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and extend westward to Broadway.  It will terminate at the General Ulysses S. Grant Houses, a NYCHA development that has a history of violence.  The Riverside Church is currently working with a group of community activists in the Grant Houses.  A second human chain traversing the North side of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard will be formed if a sufficient number of individuals decide to participate.  The Ruff Ryders will be deployed as road guards.

Related links: Bill Henry on HW Radio Podcast Show

Meeting for HANDS ACROSS HARLEM (HAH) coalition is scheduled every last Tuesday at 6:30 P.M.  Meetings are held at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Memorial Center, which is located at 34 West 134^th Street.

Contact Bill Henry at for meeting and /or partnering for the event in October 2012.