Min. Dale Edwards, Executive Director Call and Post

 In a unified and impassioned stand against violence and disrespect toward elders, clergy, community leaders, activists, and residents gathered Wednesday, April 22, on the steps of The Historic Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church for a powerful “Rally for Respect.”

The rally, held at 4:00 p.m., was organized through a collaboration of community activist Art McCoy, clergy from across Greater Cleveland, and the Rev. Dr. E. Theophilus Caviness, Senior Pastor of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church, President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Cleveland, and Board Chair of the Greater Cleveland National Action Network.

The gathering was held in honor of Deacon Ronald Kisner, 77, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, who was brutally assaulted on March 22 while protecting a woman entering the church. According to accounts, a 33-year-old man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, forced his way into the building, threw Kisner down a flight of stairs, and continued a vicious attack—beating, kicking, and attempting to strangle him.

Only the intervention of Co-Pastor Rev. Theophilus J. Caviness, Sr., along with what many described as the grace of God, prevented an even more tragic outcome. After nearly a month hospitalized, Deacon Kisner is now recovering in a rehabilitation facility.

Before a crowd filled with concern and resolve, Dr. Caviness delivered a powerful rebuke of the violence and a call to restore core community values.

“This despicable, egregious assault ought to be a wake-up call to every man, woman, and child,” he said. “It represents a complete breakdown of respect for our elders, Black womanhood, and the Black Church—the very pillars that sustain our community.”

Dr. Caviness emphasized that without these institutions, the cultural and moral fabric of the community is at risk of unraveling.

Scripture guided the moment, including 1 Timothy 5:1-2 and 1 Peter 5:5, both urging humility, honor, and reverence for elders.

Community activist Art McCoy, founder of Black on Black Crime, Inc., spoke from personal experience as a recent carjacking victim, passionately appealing to younger generations:

“We are here for one reason—respect our elders. We love you, please love us back. Don’t hurt us, don’t rob us, don’t kill us. This should not be happening to our seniors.”

Bishop Larry Macon, President of United Pastors in Mission, addressed what he described as a spiritual and cultural crisis.

“There is an evil spirit of violence pervading our community—violence on our own, by our own, and by others,” Macon said. “We must do more than say ‘Stop the Violence.’ We must get to the root causes and actively engage in solutions that restore our community.”

Rev. Aaron Phillips of Surehouse Baptist Church and the Cleveland Clergy Coalition affirmed the clergy’s commitment to justice and healing.

“We are standing up for our brother, Deacon Ronald Kisner. We will track this case. We believe in law and order, and we are committed to bringing healing to our community.

Rev. Romie Stephens III of Bright Star Baptist Church reflected on the erosion of values over time.

“I grew up in this church and on this street, and never would I have imagined such violence here,” he said. “Respect begins in the home. We must teach our young people who they are and where they come from.”

Rev. Dr. Napoleon Harris pastor of Antioch Baptist church stood in solidarity, condemning the attack in clear terms:

“We stand together for our brother. It is a shame when any senior is attacked. We must not be silent—we must stand and speak out.”

Activist Brenda Bickerstaff emphasized the importance of accountability across all sectors of society.

“We need accountability not just from law enforcement, but from individuals,” she said. “Deacon Kisner stepped in to protect someone and nearly lost his life. We need more resources to prevent this kind of violence.”

Rev. Ruby Holland, Assistant Minister at Greater Abyssinia, pointed to the role of the church in rebuilding community structure.

“Families are not what they used to be, but through the grace of God and churches like ours, we can become families again—especially in God’s house.”

Entrepreneur and former Cleveland police officer Charlotte Perkins, now a candidate for State Representative in Ohio’s 20th District, highlighted the need for youth engagement.

“We’re grateful Deacon Kisner is recovering, but we must invest in programs that guide our young people, like those where they are learning about Christ and community.”

Church member Charlene Crump Patterson spoke candidly about the root issue of hopelessness.

“Some people feel like no one cares, like there is no hope—but there is hope. How you start is not how you finish.”

One teenager in attendance offered a message that resonated deeply:

“Our elders are our teachers and mentors. We must respect them.”

Another clergyman reminded the crowd that example matters as much as words:

“We must live what we teach—inside and outside the church.”

As the rally concluded, the message was clear: restoring respect is not optional—it is essential to the survival and healing of the community.

The words shared throughout the gathering captured both urgency and wisdom:

“To honor our elders is to honor the legacy they leave behind.”

And as French writer Gustave Flaubert once observed:

“What an elder sees sitting, the young can’t see standing.”

For Cleveland, the Rally for Respect was more than a response—it was a movement, grounded in faith, unity, and a renewed commitment to protect, uplift, and honor those who paved the way.