Hold Durham Convenience Stores Responsible for Crime

Dear Durham City Council,

I have listened, intently, to your conversations over the last few years regarding the violence that is taking place on the streets of Durham. As a long time resident, I have noticed that many of the violent acts have something in common. They take place in the vicinity of neighborhood convenience stores. If you look at the shootings that have taken place on Dearborn Dr, Cornwallis Rd , N. Roxboro St and E, Main Street, many of them happen around these businesses. Recently, a 17 year old lost his life in the parking lot of a local store.

It must also be noted that these stores are located in mostly lower income communities where the residents do not have access to grocery stores. Also, many of these establishments are just glorified liquor stores that sell a disproportionate amount of high powered alcohol to the community.

So, I ask you to look into the connection between the violence and these stores. We must find social and economic solutions to this problem. Also, we must hold the store owners responsible for the impact that their businesses are having on the surrounding communities.

Thank you,

Min. Paul Scott, founder

Black Messiah Movement

PO Box 15123

Durham NC 27704

(919) 972–8305