The face we put on crime is usually that of a young black boy. And it's accurate: most of the crimes committed in the French Quarter are by young black boys. Boys barely 20, boys in their teens, and boys even younger than that. Think of the two 15-year-olds and 14-year-old who are suspects in the murder of Wendy Byrne.
I can't help but think much of the crime these boys commit is due to being bored, due to lacking a challenge, due to wanting to fit in. It's no excuse, but what if that could be changed?
I hope you read Sheila Stroup's column in the Times-Picayune about The Roots of Music. If you didn't, please read it now.
There's more than a ray of hope as Derrick Tabb, the drummer for Rebirth Brass Band, tells how he formed The Roots of Music which has blossomed into a free after-school program that is changing the lives of 9- to 14-year-olds.
Tabb modeled it after the example of the band director he had growing up in Treme, claiming, "I think he saved my life." Indeed, an avid backer of The Roots of Music calls it an "anti-crime program."
The problem is, though Tabb has just shy of 100 kids enrolled in his program, he has a waiting list of 350 who want to join the band. He tells of one 7-year-old boy who calls him on his cell phone every day and says, "Are you the man with the band? I want to get in that band."
To expand the program, Tabb needs donations of money and musical instruments. All donations are tax-deductible, but that's not as important as giving something.
If all the people who read NOcrimeline.com were to send The Roots of Music just $20 (you'd lose more than that in a robbery), we'd raise thousands of dollars. Of course, you can donate more. (To donate, click on "The Roots of Music" above for complete information.)
Many readers are cops and officials. Wouldn't it be better to prevent crime than fight it? How about it Big Chief? Will you send $20? Major? Lieutenants? Councilmen?
How about the businessmen? Just $500 will fully sponsor a student in the program. That's not too much for a hotel to put up. Or a restaurant. Or even a collection at a favorite bar.
What about the musicians who are in town this weekend for Jazz Fest? What if someone with connections to the Fest hit them up for $500 before they leave town to help create new musicians?
How about the businessmen? Just $500 will fully sponsor a student in the program. That's not too much for a hotel to put up. Or a restaurant. Or even a collection at a favorite bar.
What about the musicians who are in town this weekend for Jazz Fest? What if someone with connections to the Fest hit them up for $500 before they leave town to help create new musicians?
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As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome at NOcrimeline@gmail.comThom Kahler
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