Nia Watson, 19, holds a stuffed animal as she watches the anti-crime march pass the house where her brother-in-law, Brandon Baker, was recently shot to death. Messages to Brandon are written all over the front of the house. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Led by the Sophie B. Wright band, police and residents walk together through Hollygrove on Wednesday in a march against crime. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Speaking in front of the Big Time Tips bar closed in a raid by state agents in February, NOPD Second District Commander Paul Noel says, "Hollygrove is working really hard to take this neighborhood back. We started off here because we can make an example out of this neighborhood, and turn this neighborhood around." (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
The raid prompted state authorities to suspend Big Time Tips' license for six months, but City Councilwoman Susan Guidry says the city is seeking to remove their liquor license permanently. "People were shot. People were disturbed. People didn't feel like they could go to church events at night because of it," Guidry said of activity around the bar. "It's so exiciting to have this bar closed down. I'm so excited you have peace on this block again." (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Children dance on the corner of Eagle and Edinburgh as the Sophie B. Wright marching band plays in front of the shuttered Big Time Tips bar. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
The Sophie B. Wright band marches through Hollygrove. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Two students carry a banner at the front of the anti-crime march. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
A Hollygrove resident receives a CrimeStoppers flyer during the anti-crime march. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Wearing a T-shirt with a photo of her slain son, Brandon Baker, Lakisha Baker watches the anti-crime march proceed through Hollygrove. She was there for a repast for her son planned at the same time. "It's crazy. My son was a good child," Baker said. "He was graduating next month. He was going on his senior trip next month... Disney World." (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
