Mrs. Lofton lived more than 56 years on Whitethorn Avenue in Cleveland with her husband, Willie Lofton Jr. Following his passing in 2018, she relocated to Missouri with her niece and family who lovingly cared for her.

Helen dedicated 30 years of service to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and was also widely recognized as an award-winning Avon sales representative for many years. She enjoyed sports and remained a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns before later cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted sister Susie Williams, her Missouri family, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23

Services for Helen “Shug” Lofton will be held at Thomas G. Smith Funeral Home.

• Public Visitation: May 19, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Wake: May 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m.
• Interment: Lake View Cemetery

The post Helen “Shug” Lofton Remembered for Lifetime of Service and Love appeared first on Call and Post.

CLEVELAND — A 19-year-old man accused of intentionally striking a referee with his vehicle following a flag football game at Brookside Reservation has been formally arraigned in Cleveland Municipal Court, according to the Cleveland Metroparks Police Department.

Authorities identified the suspect as Timothy Ruble, who was arrested after the violent incident Sunday afternoon inside the Cleveland Metroparks reservation on the city’s west side. Investigators say the confrontation began after a verbal altercation connected to a flag football game being held at the park.  

Police allege Ruble intentionally drove his vehicle off the roadway, jumped a curb, and struck a referee following the dispute. The victim, whose name has not been publicly released, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Reports indicated the referee was found unconscious at the scene and at one point listed in critical condition.  

Investigators say Ruble was not a participant in the game itself but allegedly came to the park after a disagreement involving his father and game officials. Court records indicate the suspect later attempted to conceal the vehicle by hiding it near his father’s business before being taken into custody.  

Ruble now faces charges including felonious assault and tampering with evidence. During his arraignment, a judge set bond at $30,000 as the case moves forward toward Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.  

The shocking incident has sent concern throughout Northeast Ohio’s sports community, where officials and referees say violence and intimidation at amateur sporting events have become an increasing problem.

Michael Dame, secretary of the Cleveland Football Officials Association, said incidents like this make it even more difficult to recruit and retain referees for youth and adult leagues. Officials say verbal abuse from players, coaches, and spectators has escalated in recent years, creating safety concerns for those responsible for enforcing the rules of the game.  

Community leaders say the case serves as another example of how conflicts can quickly spiral into violence when emotions and anger go unchecked.

The Cleveland Metroparks Police Department continues to investigate the incident and is asking anyone who witnessed the confrontation or captured video footage to contact authorities.

The post Referee Allegedly Struck by Vehicle at Brookside Reservation, Cleveland Metroparks Police Say Incident Followed Dispute After Flag Football Game appeared first on Call and Post.

For decades, the topic of reparations for African Americans has been pushed to the margins of political debate — discussed quietly in academic circles, churches, and activist gatherings, but rarely treated as a serious national priority. Today, however, the conversation is reemerging with renewed urgency as communities across America confront widening racial wealth gaps, housing inequities, educational disparities, and the lingering effects of historic discrimination.

Supporters of reparations argue that the issue is not simply about slavery, but about generations of systemic economic exclusion that followed emancipation. From Black Codes and sharecropping to redlining, segregation, mass incarceration, discriminatory lending practices, and unequal access to education, advocates say the economic damage inflicted on Black Americans was not accidental — it was institutional.

The debate has intensified as studies continue to show massive disparities in wealth between Black and white households in America. Economists and historians note that many Black families were denied opportunities to build generational wealth through homeownership, business development, land ownership, and fair access to capital.

Calls for reparations are not new. The promise of “40 acres and a mule” following the Civil War became one of the earliest symbols of America’s unfulfilled commitment to formerly enslaved people. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., James Forman, and John Conyers all pushed for conversations around economic justice and compensation.

In recent years, the issue has gained momentum in statehouses, universities, and city governments. Several institutions have launched studies examining their historical ties to slavery and racial discrimination. Some municipalities have approved limited reparative programs focused on housing assistance, educational support, or economic investment in historically marginalized communities.

Advocates stress that reparations should not be narrowly defined as direct cash payments alone. Many propose a broader framework that could include housing grants, tuition assistance, debt relief, business funding, healthcare investments, land restoration programs, and targeted economic development initiatives in underserved communities.

Critics argue reparations would be divisive, difficult to administer, and unfair to Americans whose families were not directly involved in slavery. Others question how eligibility would be determined or whether modern taxpayers should bear responsibility for historical injustices.

Supporters counter that America has previously compensated groups harmed by government action, including Japanese Americans interned during World War II. They argue reparations are not about assigning personal guilt, but about acknowledging and repairing measurable economic harm created and maintained through public policy.

The modern reparations movement also reflects a broader demand for historical truth. Many educators and activists believe America has never fully reckoned with the economic foundations of slavery and segregation or their lasting consequences on Black communities today.

Across the nation, younger generations are fueling renewed activism around racial equity and economic justice. Community forums, legislative hearings, university panels, and grassroots organizations are increasingly calling for comprehensive studies and public dialogue on reparations policy.

Some observers believe the greatest significance of the reparations debate may not be financial alone, but moral and political. They say a serious national conversation could force America to confront difficult truths about race, opportunity, and wealth in ways long avoided.

Whether reparations ultimately become federal policy remains uncertain. But one fact is becoming increasingly clear: the conversation is no longer disappearing. From city councils to college campuses, from churches to congressional hearings, Americans are being challenged to decide what justice, accountability, and repair should look like in the 21st century.

As the nation wrestles with its history and its future, the reparations debate continues to ask a profound question: Can America truly move forward without fully addressing the unfinished debts of its past?

The post Why America Needs a Serious Conversation About Reparations appeared first on Call and Post.

Across America, a growing chorus of Black leaders, activists, clergy, business owners, and young organizers are calling for a renewed movement centered on one urgent mission: building independent Black political power. From city halls to school boards, from county commissions to state legislatures, the demand is growing louder for political structures that answer directly to the needs of Black communities rather than to party machines or special interests.

For generations, African Americans have delivered decisive votes in elections nationwide, helping shape the outcomes of presidential contests, gubernatorial races, and local campaigns. Yet many residents in urban neighborhoods continue to face underfunded schools, economic disparities, violent crime, food insecurity, inadequate healthcare access, and crumbling infrastructure. Community advocates argue that voting alone is no longer enough if Black communities do not also control policy priorities, economic agendas, and leadership pipelines.

Political observers say the next era of Black political engagement must focus on ownership and independence. That means developing candidates from within the community, financing campaigns through grassroots fundraising, building independent media platforms, supporting Black-owned businesses, and creating civic education programs that prepare future generations to lead.

Churches, historically Black fraternities and sororities, neighborhood organizations, labor groups, and civic coalitions are once again being challenged to move beyond ceremonial politics and become engines for policy action and accountability. Many believe the community’s strength lies not only in protest, but in strategic organization.

Young voters especially are demanding authenticity and measurable results. Across the nation, younger Black leaders are organizing around issues such as criminal justice reform, economic empowerment, affordable housing, environmental justice, voting rights protection, and educational equity. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #PoliticalPower, #SelfDetermination, and #BlackLeadership are helping mobilize conversations far beyond traditional political spaces.

The call for self-determination is rooted deeply in Black history. From Reconstruction-era officeholders to the civil rights movement, political independence has often been tied to survival and progress. Leaders such as Marcus Garvey, Fannie Lou Hamer, Malcolm X, and Shirley Chisholm all emphasized the importance of community control, political education, and economic strength.

Today, many organizers say independent political power also means holding elected officials accountable regardless of party affiliation. “Representation without transformation is not enough,” one Cleveland-area activist stated during a recent community forum. “The community must be able to influence budgets, policy decisions, and economic development.”

Experts point to local elections as the foundation for long-term change. Prosecutors, judges, school board members, mayors, council members, and county officials often make decisions that directly impact daily life more than national politicians. Advocates say communities must pay closer attention to these races and invest in leadership development at the neighborhood level.

Economic empowerment also remains central to the conversation. Community leaders argue political power cannot survive without financial independence. Supporting Black banks, Black-owned businesses, community development corporations, and cooperative economics are increasingly viewed as essential pillars of long-term influence.

As America enters another heated political season, one message continues to resonate in Black communities nationwide: political power must be organized, protected, and sustained independently. The movement is no longer simply about access to power — it is about ownership of the future.

The challenge now is whether communities can transform passion into permanent political infrastructure capable of shaping policy for generations to come.

The post NEWS: Build Black Independent Political Power – Self-Determination Must Become More Than a Slogan appeared first on Call and Post.

A sweeping crackdown on juvenile crime has stunned Central Ohio after authorities announced that 10 juveniles connected to an organized theft ring have been indicted on nearly 300 felony charges tied to a violent spree of stolen vehicles, break-ins, police chases, and weapons offenses stretching across the Columbus metropolitan area.

The sprawling investigation centers on criminal activity throughout Franklin County, including Columbus, Whitehall, Reynoldsburg, Groveport, and surrounding communities that have experienced an explosion in juvenile auto thefts and violent crime over the last two years.

Law enforcement officials say the group allegedly operated using stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles — many linked to the nationwide “Kia Boys” trend — while coordinating thefts and crimes through social media.

Investigators allege the juveniles participated in dozens of offenses involving:

• Grand theft auto
• Receiving stolen property
• Felony fleeing and eluding police
• Breaking and entering
• Weapons violations
• Property destruction
• Organized criminal activity

Authorities say some of the juveniles involved are repeat offenders who had previously been arrested multiple times before being released back into the community.

Whitehall police have repeatedly warned about escalating youth crime tied to stolen vehicle rings operating near East Broad Street, Hamilton Road, and residential apartment complexes throughout the city. In several previous incidents, juveniles as young as 11 and 13 years old were arrested driving stolen vehicles through Whitehall neighborhoods.  

“This is no longer isolated juvenile misbehavior,” one investigator stated. “This is organized criminal conduct involving repeat offenders, stolen guns, reckless pursuits, and violent crime.”

The investigation intensified after a fatal shooting near Whitehall that authorities now believe may have connections to individuals operating within the broader criminal network.

According to reports, three men — Renan Castro-Gil, 35, Jose Carlos-Martinez, 19, and Carlos Figueroa-Castro, 18 — were recently arrested and charged with aggravated murder in connection to the deadly shooting.  

Police have not publicly confirmed whether the homicide is directly tied to the indicted juvenile theft operation, but investigators acknowledged they are examining overlapping criminal connections involving stolen vehicles, gang activity, and weapons trafficking throughout Central Ohio.

Residents near the shooting scene described panic and chaos as gunfire erupted, followed by a massive police response that shut down nearby streets.

“We hear about stolen cars every day,” one resident said. “But now people are dying. It’s getting worse.”

Authorities say the theft ring investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Columbus Division of Police, Whitehall Police Department, Franklin County prosecutors, auto theft task forces, and organized crime investigators.

The case also highlights growing public frustration with Ohio’s juvenile justice system. In several prior Whitehall cases, juveniles arrested in stolen cars were reportedly released because detention centers lacked capacity or because the suspects were too young for extended detention.  

Community leaders say the combination of social media influence, easy vehicle theft methods, access to firearms, and weak intervention systems has created a dangerous cycle that is spiraling out of control.

Meanwhile, grieving families connected to the Whitehall homicide continue demanding justice while neighborhood residents call for stronger enforcement and more prevention programs aimed at at-risk youth.

For many Central Ohio residents, the nearly 300 felony charges now facing the juvenile suspects serve as a sobering sign of how rapidly youth crime has escalated from car thefts to organized and potentially deadly criminal enterprises.

As prosecutors continue reviewing evidence and investigators pursue additional leads, officials warn that more arrests and indictments may still be coming.

Displaying

The post CENTRAL OHIO YOUTH CRIME WAVE EXPLODES – Ten Juveniles Hit With Nearly 300 Felony Charges as Whitehall Murder Investigation Deepens appeared first on Call and Post.

A legal battle that could reshape property rights across Ohio is now headed to the state’s highest court, as the Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to hear a major class-action lawsuit accusing Cuyahoga County of unfairly profiting from tax foreclosures at the expense of struggling homeowners.

The case, brought by former NFL player and real estate investor Lyndon Byers, alleges that county officials seized thousands of homes over unpaid property taxes and kept the excess profits after selling the properties — even when the homes were worth far more than the taxes owed.

At the center of the lawsuit is a constitutional question that has sparked national debate: Can the government take a person’s property for unpaid taxes and then keep all the money from the sale, even after the debt is satisfied?

Supporters of the lawsuit say the answer is no.

“This is about basic fairness and constitutional property rights,” attorneys involved in the case argued. “Government should collect what is owed — not confiscate generational wealth.”

The lawsuit claims Cuyahoga County’s tax foreclosure practices resulted in homeowners losing not only their homes, but also the remaining equity they had built over decades. Plaintiffs argue that many residents — particularly elderly, low-income, and minority homeowners — were stripped of thousands of dollars beyond what they actually owed in taxes and penalties.

According to court filings, the county allegedly seized and sold properties valued significantly higher than delinquent tax bills without reimbursing former owners for the surplus proceeds.

The Ohio Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case dramatically raises the stakes for counties throughout the state, many of which have relied on similar tax foreclosure systems for years.

Legal observers say the outcome could potentially expose local governments to massive financial liability if courts determine excess proceeds should have been returned to former property owners.

The case follows growing national scrutiny over so-called “home equity theft” practices.

In 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Tyler v. Hennepin County that governments may violate the Constitution when they keep profits from tax foreclosure sales beyond what is owed in taxes, penalties, and interest. That landmark ruling energized lawsuits nationwide challenging similar systems in multiple states.

Now Ohio could become the next major battleground.

Community activists and housing advocates say the issue disproportionately impacts vulnerable residents already struggling with rising property taxes, inflation, and economic hardship.

“In many cases people lost homes over relatively small tax debts,” one housing advocate said. “Then the county kept everything.”

County officials, however, maintain that Ohio’s tax foreclosure laws were designed to address blighted and abandoned properties while ensuring delinquent taxes are collected to fund essential public services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure.

Cuyahoga County leaders are expected to defend the legality of the process, arguing they operated within Ohio law as it existed at the time of the foreclosures.

Still, the case is sending shockwaves through legal and political circles across Northeast Ohio.

If the plaintiffs prevail, thousands of former property owners could potentially seek compensation for lost equity, opening the door to significant financial claims against local governments.

The lawsuit also shines a spotlight on broader concerns involving housing insecurity, neighborhood decline, and wealth disparities in Cleveland and surrounding communities where tax foreclosures have historically hit hardest.

For many residents, the case is about more than legal procedure — it is about whether ordinary citizens were denied the full value of what they worked their entire lives to own.

As the Ohio Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments, one thing is already clear: the decision could redefine property rights, tax foreclosure practices, and government accountability throughout Ohio for years to come.

The post Former NFL Player Leads Class-Action Fight Alleging Thousands Lost Homes and Equity Through Tax Foreclosures appeared first on Call and Post.

The lights were bright, the pressure enormous, and once again Donovan Mitchell delivered like a man determined to carve his name into Cleveland Cavaliers history.

In a breathtaking second-half explosion that electrified Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and sent Cavaliers fans into a frenzy, Mitchell erupted to lead Cleveland past the Detroit Pistons, 112-103, in a pivotal Game 4 playoff showdown.

The Cavaliers’ superstar guard not only carried the franchise on his shoulders — he etched his name into the record books in the process.

After a sluggish first half that saw Cleveland trailing and struggling offensively, Mitchell unleashed a relentless scoring barrage after intermission, slicing through Detroit defenders, burying deep three-pointers, attacking the rim, and igniting a Cavaliers avalanche that completely changed the game’s momentum.

By the final buzzer, the crowd stood roaring as Mitchell finished with another legendary playoff performance, further cementing himself among the greatest postseason players ever to wear a Cavaliers uniform.

“This is why Cleveland brought him here,” one fan shouted outside the arena. “Big moments. Big stage. Big heart.”

And Mitchell answered every call.

The Pistons appeared poised to steal momentum early, controlling stretches of the first half behind aggressive defense and physical play. Detroit’s young core attacked Cleveland with energy and confidence, frustrating the Cavaliers offense and silencing portions of the home crowd.

But championship-caliber players have a way of changing everything.

Midway through the third quarter, Mitchell ignited.

First came a deep three.

Then a steal and fast-break finish.

Then another jumper.

Then another.

Suddenly the building shook with playoff electricity as the Cavaliers ripped off a devastating scoring run that buried Detroit under a wave of momentum they could never recover from.

Mitchell’s fearless play energized the entire roster. Darius Garland pushed the tempo, Evan Mobley dominated the glass and protected the paint, while Jarrett Allen battled inside against Detroit’s physical front line.

By the fourth quarter, Cleveland’s defense tightened like a vice grip.

Every rebound became a war.

Every possession mattered.

And Mitchell continued delivering knockout blows.

The victory gives Cleveland a commanding edge in the series and sends a powerful message throughout the NBA: the Cavaliers are no longer simply a promising young team — they are becoming a legitimate championship threat.

The performance also added another unforgettable chapter to Cleveland’s rich postseason basketball history.

For years the city searched for a new playoff superstar capable of carrying the franchise after the LeBron James era. Donovan Mitchell is proving night after night he may be exactly that player.

His leadership, swagger, and ability to dominate under pressure have transformed the Cavaliers into one of the league’s most dangerous teams.

Inside the locker room, teammates praised Mitchell’s relentless will to win.

“He put us on his back,” one player said. “That’s what superstars do.”

Outside the arena, thousands of fans poured into downtown Cleveland streets celebrating the hard-fought victory, chanting “Let’s Go Cavs!” as car horns echoed through the night air.

Now, with momentum fully on their side, the Cavaliers move closer to advancing deeper into the playoffs — and perhaps closer to something Cleveland basketball fans have dreamed about once again:

Another championship run.

The post MITCHELL MAKES HISTORY – Cleveland Roars Back With 112-103 Playoff Victory appeared first on Call and Post.

A federal judge has ruled that the City of Cleveland must remain under its long-standing federal consent decree, rejecting efforts by city leaders to end more than a decade of court-ordered police oversight.

U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver Jr., who has overseen the Cleveland police reform process since its inception, determined that the city “has a ways to go” before achieving full compliance with all requirements of the agreement.  

The ruling delivers a major setback to the administration of Justin Bibb, which, alongside the U.S. Department of Justice, filed a joint motion earlier this year seeking to terminate the consent decree established in 2015. City officials argued Cleveland had made substantial progress in reforming policing practices, improving accountability, and rebuilding community trust.  

The consent decree was implemented after a 21-month federal investigation concluded that the Cleveland Division of Police engaged in a pattern of excessive force and unconstitutional policing practices. The agreement mandated sweeping reforms involving use of force, officer training, crisis intervention, supervision, community engagement, and accountability systems.  

While the Bibb administration highlighted major milestones — including improved compliance ratings and more than 140 federal monitoring upgrades — Judge Oliver ruled that ending federal oversight at this stage would be “premature.”  

At the heart of the dispute is whether Cleveland’s reforms are truly sustainable without federal supervision.

Mayor Bibb defended the city’s progress, saying reforms have become embedded within the culture of the department and stressing that local accountability systems would remain in place even if the decree ended.  

However, critics and community activists argued the city has not yet demonstrated lasting and effective compliance in several critical areas. Concerns continue surrounding police accountability, transparency, and maintaining public trust in neighborhoods still impacted by tensions between residents and law enforcement.

The Civilian Police Review Board also publicly emphasized that independent oversight remains necessary regardless of the decree’s future. Board Chairman Brandon Brown noted that Cleveland policing “remains imperfect” and warned against any backsliding if federal oversight is removed.  

The judge has now scheduled additional hearings, with city officials expected to further address unresolved concerns tied to oversight and reform implementation.  

For many Cleveland residents, the ruling represents both frustration and reassurance. Some see the continued consent decree as proof that the city has failed to fully heal from years of controversial policing practices. Others view the federal oversight as a necessary safeguard to ensure reforms continue and constitutional policing standards remain in place.

The consent decree, originally expected to last approximately five years, has now extended into its eleventh year, making Cleveland one of the longest-running federally monitored police departments in the nation.

The post Judge Continues Police Consent Decree appeared first on Call and Post.

CLEVELAND, OHIO — For generations, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has stood as one of the most powerful safeguards of Black political participation in America—a hard-won victory born from marches, sacrifice, and the courage of those who faced violence for the right to vote. Today, many in the African American community are reflecting with concern after a pivotal ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court weakened a key part of that historic law.

In Shelby County v. Holder, the Court struck down Section 4(b), the provision that determined which states and local governments with histories of racial discrimination were required to receive federal approval before changing voting laws. That process, known as “preclearance,” had long served as a protective shield against policies that could suppress minority voting power.

For many African Americans, the decision is not just legal—it is deeply personal.

The Voting Rights Act was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, following events like the Selma to Montgomery marches, where peaceful demonstrators were met with brutality as they demanded equal access to the ballot. The law became a cornerstone of progress, dramatically increasing Black voter registration and representation across the South and beyond.

Civil rights leaders and community advocates warn that removing preclearance opens the door to changes that could disproportionately affect Black voters. In the years since the ruling, several states previously covered under the law have enacted new voting measures, including voter ID requirements and changes to early voting, prompting ongoing debate about access and fairness.

“This isn’t just about policy—it’s about history,” said Maverick Edwards, youth executive director for the Greater Cleveland Chapters’ of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and National Action Network. “Our right to vote was never simply given. It was fought for.”

Others argue that the country has changed significantly since 1965 and that states should have more autonomy over their election laws. The Court’s majority opinion emphasized that the coverage formula was outdated, pointing to progress made in voter participation and civil rights.

Still, the decision raises pressing questions about the future: How will communities protect the gains achieved through decades of struggle? And what role will federal oversight continue to play in ensuring equal access to the ballot?

As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, one thing remains clear—the legacy of the Voting Rights Act is not confined to the past. It lives on in every election, every vote cast, and every effort to ensure that the voices of African Americans are heard and counted.

The post A Legacy Challenged: Supreme Court Weakens Core of Voting Rights Act appeared first on 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.

The post Ron Kisner Rally for Respect Demands Accountability And Healing  appeared first on Call and Post.