John “Moosie” Glenn of the Pigeontown Steppers dances as he carries a banner leading the NOPD Second-District anti-crime march through the streets around Palmer Park in west Carrollton. No band was playing, so the Pigeontown Steppers developed their own chant for the march: “Walking for peace! (Stop the violence!) Marching these streets! (Stop the violence!) In the 17th! (Stop the violence!) Saying our piece! (Stop the violence!)” (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Pigeontown Steppers president Joseph “Rollin’ Joe” Henry (center) strikes up the chant as the anti-crime march leaves Palmer Park on Wednesday evening. The club’s support will help residents feel more comfortable talking to police, Henry said. “When they see an organization like our club, from the neighborhood, they won’t be afraid to come out and support the police,” Henry said. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
NOPD District Chief Kirk Bouyelas and Second District Commander Paul Noel talk to a Carrollton resident as they march. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
John “Moosie” Glenn grins as he leads the march. “It was great,” he said afterward, though he said he hopes the next one will go deeper into the neighborhood. “It was only a week’s notice, but people showed out.” (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Allysin Swift carries her 3-month-old daughter, Camille Sauerbrey, under an umbrella as she talks to City Councilwoman Susan Guidry about a crime issue on her block that she said the NOPD Second District resolved quickly. The march was a good step forward as well, Swift said. “Just getting the neighbors to know each other, that goes a long way,” Swift said. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Anita Oubre, wearing an Alcee Fortier Tarpons T-shirt, photographs the anti-crime march as it passes. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
One of the Pigeontown Steppers nicknamed “Duckie” approaches Jake’s corner store, an establishment that was previously considered a crime hot spot, but has recently been bought by new owners who are working with the residents and NOPD to clean up the corner. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
Scott Tillman dances to the “Walking for peace!” chant of the Pigeontown Steppers as they pass, and calls out in agreement, “Live and let live!” (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
The heat index late Wednesday afternoon was above 100, but organizer Jill Stephens of the Carrollton-Riverbend Neighborhood Association said she was pleased with the turnout of about 80 people for the march. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)
