The “Rally to Protect our Neighborhoods” will take place Saturday, April 30 from 12-2pm at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. The event will be hosted by Councilmember Craig Rice (District 2), Councilmember Sidney Katz (District 3) and Greg Wims of the Upcounty Regional Services Center.
The event is being run in conjunction with the ‘Justice for Jai’lyn Rally’, in honor of 17-year-old Jai’lyn Jones, who was murdered in Germantown back in January. Jai’lyn was a Germantown resident and a senior at Northwest High School. His body was found brutally stabbed and mutilated. As of today, no arrests have been made and the case remains active.
According to the event’s flyer, “All community members are invited to join the Upcounty Regional Services Center and Montgomery County Councilmembers Craig Rice and Sidney Katz to discuss enhancing public safety through building community partnerships.”
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 20, 2022
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 20, 2022—Montgomery County Councilmembers Craig Rice and Sidney Katz, along with Upcounty Regional Service Center Director, Greg Wims, invite the community to attend the “Rally to Protect our Neighborhoods,” on Saturday, April 30 from 12 to 2 p.m. In light of the recent rise in violent crime incidents, the rally will focus on community building for greater public safety. The event will be held on the front lawn of the BlackRock Center for the Arts and feature an open discussion, as well as community resources for all attendees.
Featured speakers will include Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy, Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones and the family of Jai’lyn Jones, who recently lost their loved one to senseless violence. Other families who have experienced the loss of their loved ones have also been invited to participate.
Councilmember Rice, who represents District 2 (including Germantown) and serves as chair of the Education and Culture Committee, and Councilmember Katz, chair of the Public Safety Committee, believe this rally is an important step in promoting neighborhood solidarity and facilitating a dialogue on safety and support for our community. County and community organizations will be in attendance to share resources and supports available to our residents.
“The participation of the families most impacted by some of the violence in our communities is a signal that our community is asking for healing and resolve,” said Councilmember Rice. “Montgomery County must stand united in the face of crimes like these, the most egregious in nature, and work to foster an environment that ensures the safety and well-being of our residents.”
“Thank you to Councilmember Rice and Upcounty Regional Service Center Director, Greg Wims for organizing this rally,” said Councilmember Katz. “I am pleased to be able to participate, listen, and assist our community so that our residents feel safe.”
Plenty of free parking is available at BlackRock Center for the Arts which is located at 12901 Town Commons Dr. in Germantown, Md.
# # #
'
