Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration recently inaugurated the 25th national chapter of Voices of Black Mothers United in Arkansas.
Yolanda Pitts, a local pastor and director of Turning Point Youth Center, was appointed the Pine Bluff VBMU Regional Lead for Arkansas, based in Pine Bluff.
The first meeting took place at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center on Oct. 5.
Rovetta Haltiwanger, a mother who lost two sons to gun violence, conveyed her ongoing battle with grief and loss. She provided an emotional testimony to about 20 people, detailing her daily efforts to cope and move forward.
Jerry Lambert, a retired Pine Bluff police detective from the homicide division, emphasized to young adults the importance of resolving conflicts without resorting to firearms.
Pine Bluff VBMU will host a support meeting for mothers of homicide victims in November. The date will be announced.
PBICVR is a Woodson Center Community Affiliate Network member. Pine Bluff VBMU, an initiative of the Woodson Center, is dedicated to empowering Black mothers, their families, and community partners to voice their concerns and promote strategies of healing within communities.
“Pine Bluff VBMU will provide a platform for mothers of Black children who have fallen victim to violence to speak out and address the Black homicide crisis in Pine Bluff,” said the Rev. James Hill Jr., president of Being Brothers for Kids.
Collaborating partners are the United Way of Southeast Arkansas, Victims Witness with the prosecuting attorney’s office, Jefferson County sheriff’s office, BBFK, United Resources Agency, Pine Bluff Police Department, Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel school districts, and Paradise Funeral Home.
The first meeting also included members of the Pine Bluff Faith Community Coalition Ministerial Alliance. Details: (870) 730-1131.