San Diego, CA – Pastor Terry Wayne Brooks, Senior Pastor of Bayview Church has issued a Call to Action for a Camp Out. On Friday, February 26, 2016, at 9:30 pm Brooks has asked that all men belonging to a church, mosque or un-churched to stand watch in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of southeastern San Diego. This is an area that is being preyed upon by vagrants, homeless and individuals engaged in criminal activity.
The Camp Out is an overnight rally initiated in support of the work being done by various groups and individuals that are bringing about change and opportunity throughout our community. We are particularly interested in outreach to our youth. Pastor Brooks understands that 98% of our young people are doing the right thing. Unfortunately, they have been defined by the 2% with questionable behavior. He is of the opinion that they would benefit from seeing strong images of men in this community standing together to express their support for the 98% who are doing the right thing.
The Camp Out will be held at the Metropolitan Trolley System (MTS) Euclid Avenue Trolley Station located at Euclid Avenue and Market Street, San Diego, CA 92114. The trolley station was chosen as it is at crossroads where those seeking employment and education utilize public transportation to get there and as a result too often confronted by the harassing individuals being pushed from a gentrified downtown. When asked what he hopes will be accomplished, Pastor Brooks responded, “All neighborhoods are not created equal. Young people are being terrified during the simple experience of riding public transportation. And, at night this area becomes a battleground. I want them to know their grandfathers, fathers, brothers, and uncles understand their frustrations and are here to help and will stand watch. Ultimately, economic development is key to changing the dynamics we are experiencing in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park. In the meantime, the issues of race and the perception of abuse of authority continue to bubble just under the surface. I’m hopeful that the Camp Out will reignite an interest in having the conversations as we did with the #iMatter Public Safety Rally after the Ferguson event – all this is necessary to build trust and respect between residents and those protecting us.”
Pastor Brooks will be joined at the podium with multigenerational participants continuing to work for long-term change. Brooks is the Senior Pastor of Bayview Baptist located at 6134 Benson Avenue, a historical church with the largest African American congregation in San Diego County.
