LAPLACE — Cory Batiste, senior pastor at Beech Grove Baptist Church in LaPlace, hopes to take a proactive approach against violence in the community with a “Night to Unite” event.

Empowerment and unity will shine as neighbors and local leaders strategize for a better future at 5 p.m. Sept. 14 at La Belle Place Reception Center, located at 1905 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

Batiste will host the event, which features a special guest appearance from world-renowned singer and preacher Bishop Rance Allen.

A gifted musician and gospel singer, Allen has served on the board of an Ohio neighborhood improvement foundation to support inner-city environments.

Batiste said similar support is needed for St. John the Baptist Parish and surrounding areas. Last month’s double homicide in Reserve marked the seventh and eighth homicides of the year in St. John, marking an increase from 2018.

The shooting of a 57-year-old Reserve man on August 12 could have easily turned into the ninth homicide if the victim had not made his way to a nearby residence to seek help.

Batiste hopes “Night to Unite” will be a breath of fresh air for a grieving community.

“God is Good and Worthy of all praises,” Batiste said. “I have seen firsthand thw emotion, destruction and social decay caused by senseless shootings and violent murders. Let’s join hand in prayer and positive actions concerning this evil that is roaming this parish. I believe God can do anything except fail.”

Gospel singers and artists, choirs, dancers, musician, church groups and community organizations and volunteers are invited to attend. For more information, please email corybatisteministries@gmail.com.

Cory Batiste Ministries can also be reached at P.O. Box 373 Edgard, LA 70049 or by phone at 318-364-7506.