On behalf of L.E.G. Promotions and myself, I would like to express my deepest condolences regarding the tragic shooting that occurred yesterday, October 10, 2007 at SuccessTech Academy in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio. I am not just a business owner in Cleveland, but I am a resident and proud Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) graduate. I have a sibling and nephew who attend schools in the city of Cleveland currently. I also have former teachers (both retired and still teaching) who I consider friends and mentors.
I didn't think I would ever say this, but I am truly shocked at what has transpired. As a member of former district CEO Barbara Byrd Bennett's Student Advisory Committee (CEOSAC), I personally toured SuccessTech the first year of its existence. At the time, it was funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, only housed one grade, and was the beacon of Cleveland Schools. With a 94 percent graduation rate and focus on technology and entrepreneurship, SuccessTech is the last place I would ever guess something like this would happen. However, race, age, or test scores don't matter- this proved to be true on Wednesday.
To put it in the words of Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter, Phillip Morris, "Greater Cleveland dodged a bullet Wednesday." Indeed this is true, only five were wounded; four by gunfire and one due to a knee injury while fleeing. However, many more could have been wounded and many more could have died. But, Thank God, this is not the case. This, Cleveland, is what we must focus on, the positive. Local media will always focus on tragedy and crime in every city. It is up to us to keep the faith.
There is however one person who didn't dodge a bullet, 14-year old Asa Coon, the gunman. My heart goes out to young Asa's family. Today, a mother is hurting, and a sister is mourning the loss of her brother. On Wednesday, the City of Cleveland lost a child. The sad part is that this child took his own life, and attempted to rob others of theirs.
Perhaps that most tragic of all is that this young man felt there was no other way out of his present situation then to take both the lives of others and his own. No one on this Earth should ever feel that death, a permanent solution, is the only answer to a temporary problem, or set of problems. The only death that solved temporary pain was the death of Jesus Christ. When he died on the cross for our sins, he paid the ultimate price for us. He died, so that we could live eternally. The irony in this is that, reportedly, Asa Coon believed there was no God and had argued with fellow classmates about this very subject. Sadly, he didn't understand that God is real, life is real, and death is real.
It is written, "It is appointed once for a man to die, and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). It is also commanded not to kill, and this includes oneself. I do know this, the young gunman is dead, and he will one day be judged. People love to say that no one can judge them but God, and this is true. But, I can say that according to God (the judge), unless you seek forgiveness, in hell you will spend eternal life for your sins- and murder is one of those.
I said that to say this, murder and suicide are not the answer. To all of my Myspace friends from the CMSD, please know that whatever you are going through, whether from this tragedy or your personal past, there is an answer- Jesus Christ. There are people, including myself, who are thinking of and praying for you and your well being. I believe in the students of Cleveland and I believe in this generation.
According to Bruce Hennes, crisis management expert, the best thing to do is to deal with a crisis head on, not suppress your feelings. So, if you are a student, parent, or teacher in need of prayer or someone to talk to, the following are several resources for you. Greif Counselors are available locally beginning at 8 a.m. today at four recreation centers; Glenville, 680 East 113th; John F. Kennedy, 17300 Harvard Ave.; Michael J. Zone, 6301 Lorain Ave.; and Cudell, 1910 West Blvd. If you have questions about why you exist, or you are dealing with loneliness or depression, visit http://www.needhim.org/ or call 1-888-NEED HIM (633-3446) anytime. Another great resource is The Trinity Broadcasting Network's (TBN) 24-Hour Prayer Line (714) 731-1000 or toll free 1-888-731-1000. These are all caring and compassionate people who are trained and ready to listen to your concerns and even pray with you. You can also find inspirational artists from my friends list whose lyrics (and beats) can lift you up during this time.
Again, to all Cleveland students, parents, and teachers, my thoughts and prayers are with you. As the news stories fade and life resumes, know that I am here for you. While classes are cancelled for the remainder of the week, take this time off to breath, heal, and enjoy the life God has blessed you with.
Sincerely,
LaQuilia Graham
L.E.G. Promotions, Proprietor
