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Durham leaders committed to curbing crime

Community members gathered outside city hall Thursday for a "call to action" against the high crime rate in Durham.

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DURHAM, N.C. — Community members gathered outside city hall Thursday for a “call to action” against the high crime rate in Durham.

Many that gathered said a large number of citizens want to do something about it, but there are not nearly as many doing anything to further the progress.

Rodney Williams says he’s walked the poorer neighborhoods where shootings happen, where he’s seen desperation and no jobs.

“We have no jobs,” Williams said. “What are these kids doing now? They are breaking in your house; they are robbing.”

Williams said he remembers when the city offered jobs to ex-offenders, and when community centers in the projects offered meals and something for kids to do.

“That program is gone,” he said.

Pastor Mark-Anthony Middleton, of Abundant Hope Christian Church, said there are hundreds of churches in Durham, but only a small fraction will join the fight against crime.

Middleton recently visited Boston to learn its strategy to curb crime. He said officers got out of their cars and into the troubled neighborhoods.

Middleton added that he would like to see the same from local churches and organizations.

“Pray for our city, but after you finish praying, get of your knees and come lock arms with us and take action,” he said.

Middleton said he wants to organize a grand summit and include community leaders and organizations that have been on the sidelines, to create a plan of action.

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