On yesterday’s editorial page we lauded the notion of reconciliation being promoted by shooting victim Shakiyl Smith. The Chester man has been in a wheelchair since a shooting incident in 208 left him a quadriplegic.
Smith wants to meet the man who shot him – not for revenge – but to tell him he forgives him.
It’s something the city direly needs.
Just ask the family and friends of Michael Strand.
Yesterday, almost beyond belief, street violence visited the Strand family for the third time in a dozen years.
Michael Strand was shot multiple times as he washed a car in the 400 block of Rose Street. The shooting occurred in broad daylight, just before lunchtime.
Strand’s father was fatally stabbed in 2000. His brother was shot to death in 2007.
You can read the full story by Rose Quinn here.
The words of Shakiyl Smith seem prophetic now.
The city of Chester needs an answer. Lots of answers really.
Shakiyl Smith is talking. I just don’t know if anyone is listening.
Comments