Yonkers YMCA and SNUG promote peace in light of recent stabbing on Lake Avenue
It was almost two weeks ago when two teenage boys were stabbed to death on Lake Avenue following a fight. The community is now coming together to advocate for peace.
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A Yonkers community is coming together to spread the message of "peace over conflict."
It was almost two weeks ago when two teenage boys were stabbed to death on Lake Avenue following a fight. The community is now coming together to advocate for peace.
Police say Jayron Rivera, of Yonkers, and Tyler King-Mellanson were stabbed Thursday outside of Mickey's Pizzeria located at 136 Lake Ave.
A 17-year-old from Yonkers was charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the stabbings, according to detectives.
"We just want to show the Lake Avenue community that you are seen," said Sade Gilcrest, Peacemobile director and SNUG site administrator. "You’re not forgotten about...Just hearing from the community, some of the residents feel like there’s no love up here.”
The community is coming together to support each other and promote the message of peace, especially among kids.
“They just know that we’re always here for them. We have resources. Anytime they need us, we’ll just pull up and we’re just here for them," says Peter Thompson, program manager of SNUG YMCA.
Kids took a tour of and were able to use Yonker’s family YMCA PeaceMobile.
"The PeaceMobile is actually cool," says Karon Hickman. "I’ve been on there twice, I really enjoy it."
The PeaceMobile aims to reduce violence by providing activities and a safe space. The YMCA and SNUG think that because of this recent stabbing, it’s important to show kids there’s a safe place they can be.
“The message, first and foremost, starts with us. We have to show that," says Gilcrest.
