‘Team Up Against Violence’ set for April 12 at NDS

On April 12, members of our community will gather for a day of reflection. Team Up Against Violence is an initiative with the goal of bringing awareness to violence and inequality currently plaguing our city.
Originally the brainchild of De La Salle senior Ryan Walden, the initiative has grown and is now the work of students and administrators from De La Salle and Archbishop Rummel high schools. Student body co-presidents of De La Salle, Shelby Boyd and I, are representing the initiative.

“The goal of this Lasallian-inspired (the charism of the Brothers of the Christian Schools) event is to bring public awareness to the deep issues surrounding violence by encouraging students to be actively involved in their school’s athletic teams and organizations,” said Tony Behan, campus minister and religion teacher at De La Salle.

Some might ask why I, as an 18-year-old private school student, am concerned about violence. To be honest, violence has not affected me personally. We are living in the midst of a time when we are so numb to the issue of violence that we accept it as it is.

Having grown up in a city where violence is accepted in such a causal manner, I am trying to wake up from a subconscious state. While changing my state of mind, I am trying to get others to do the same.

Along with the rest of the rally committee, we are making a statement that we do not stand for inequality in our community.

Our hope by rallying together is not to solve these issues directly but to promote awareness and concern so that we, as a community, can take little steps to bring peace to our beloved city.

“Racial, economic and social inequality are some of the deep-rooted causes of violence in our city,” Behan said. “We have chosen to make people aware of this reality that often goes unrecognized.”

The rally will include guest speakers such as Archbishop Gregory Aymond and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite. Former LSU football player Ryan Perrilloux, now a member of the New Orleans Voodoo, and Walter Bonam, a victim of violence and associate director of the archdiocesan Religious Education Office, will also speak. All are welcome to join, especially those representing community and school groups. A reception will follow the speeches. The rally will be held April 12 from 4:30-6 p.m. at the front steps of Notre Dame Seminary on South Carrollton Avenue. 

Julien Purpura is a senior at De La Salle High School.