“IN GOD WE TRUST,” What a powerful statement. However, it is a needed sentiment because of what a dangerous place this world is becoming.

To paraphrase Albert Einstein, “not because of those who do evil but because of those who look on and do nothing.” As I was going to work a funeral on Saturday (June 9), I saw a headline in the newspaper that resonated the word REWARD offered for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the murder of a father and his young daughter.

The amount offered had risen to $20,000. While this large amount is very commendable, a person should not have to be motivated by money to do with is morally correct.

We should not be enticed by just monetary rewards. Our conscience should compel us to do what is right.  Our children are not collateral damage; their lives and worth have value. They should not have to fear a violent ending of their lives.

In the past couple of years, the crimes and deaths of our youth have become prevalent. As the old adage affirms that, “while death is considered the Great Equalizer and doesn’t discriminate on age, color, religion or creed, I believe that the consensus is that parents aren’t supposed to bury their children.”

This war to be destructive and destroy must end! The senseless violence has to stop and we can’t wait for someone to come and change our community. It is incumbent on us, the CITIZENS OF OUR PARISH, to formulate action in our neighborhoods.

Admittedly, we cannot cultivate change on our own. We must believe and trust in a higher being. In an effort to instill the belief of God in Schools, the legislators of Louisiana recently passed a law that mandates that the scribe, “In God We Trust,” has to be placed on all public schools by 2019.

Currently, this School Board meets quarterly with Pastors and Ministers in our parish to keep informed and exchange ideas and ideologies. Basically, we are committed to forming an alliance to assist our youth and protect our environment.

Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to offer monetary compensation or relay on governmental assistance to maintain order or combat violence in an effort to increase or improve the quality of life; but we can’t depend totally on outside sources. Let me pose a theory, if a drain is clogged by leaves in front of our houses, shouldn’t we have to work together to unclog that drain so that the whole street benefits? It’s called teamwork!

The great abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, once said, “It’s easier to build strong children, than a broken man.” With over 78 churches in the parish and numerous non-profit organizations working along with the schools, governmental agencies, the Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, FINS and CASA, we have to take control of our community by addressing the crime and violence in our streets!

We are bound by humanity to report bad behavior. It is our fiduciary responsibility and moral obligation to speak up. In street lingo, if you see a crime, drop a dime!

Don’t be enticed by a reward because it could be just a matter of time before you or someone you know may be placed in a similar situation. We have a great opportunity to become one of the strongest parishes in the state. With the access to the Interstate, Railroads and River, we are prime targets for new businesses and growth. To conclude, allow me to challenge you all, “No One can do everything, but everyone can do something!”

Let’s work together to end the violence that can stunt our economic growth and stymied our resources.  As our school board motto states, “As One.” Let’s pull together St. John Parish and make our parish No. 1!

Albert “Ali” Burl III is the school board president for St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools and District 2 representative. He can be reached at alburl@stjohn.k12.la.us