Adams Presents the “One Meck” Community Recognition Award to the Founder of Stop the Killing Crusade, Rev. James Barnett

CHARLOTTE, NC — Friday, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) awarded Rev. James Barnett with the first ever “One Meck” Community Recognition Award. The award will be given to constituents that go to great lengths to improve the quality of life for people living in our community. Rev. James Barnett is being recognized for his role in founding Stop the Killing Crusade, an organization that consists of community stakeholders determined to reduce and prevent violent crime in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.

“I’m proud to recognize Reverend Barnett and Stop the Killing Crusade with the first ever ‘One Meck’ Community Recognition Award for their tireless work to reduce crime and gun violence in our community,” said Congresswoman Adams. “After witnessing an increase in crime last year, Reverend Barnett felt the call to action to lead this community effort that’s helping to save lives across Mecklenburg County. As our community continues to work to address gun violence, I know Reverend Barnett will be called upon to offer guidance and hope for the future. On behalf of the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina, I express our sincerest gratitude to him and this exceptional organization.”

“I accept the award on behalf of the so-called little people that have worked long and hard to help bring about a decrease in the city's murder rate. This award sends the message that there are those in high places that care thereby giving hope to thousands,” said Rev. James Barnett. “There are no words to express my feeling as I think of the hope that this award has given to those that are without hope.”

Stop the Killing Crusade, originally founded in 1988, is a faith-based, direct-action organization that was formed for the purpose of fighting drug related crimes in predominately African-American communities in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Last year, Charlotte experienced an uptick in homicides, seeing an increase from 69 homicides in 2016 to 86 homicides in 2017. Due to the increase in violent crimes ending in tragic murders, The Crusade relaunched and renewed its efforts to stem the tide of violent crime in communities across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.