Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) are launching an “Occupy the Corners” initiative aimed at curbing gun violence on New York streets.

Beginning Friday, Aug. 17, NAN members, community organizations, politicians and church leaders will stand on corners in "hotspot" areas around New York City from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. for four consecutive weekends. Participants will be on watch for signs of violence and talking to residents in efforts to foster a greater sense of community and show support to neighborhoods scarred by violence.

The initiative is timely given the recent spate of gun violence occurring in many New York neighborhoods. Tuesday, four teens were shot when a gunman opened fire in a park where the teens were watching a neighborhood basketball game. Last month, five people were shot at Harlem’s historic Rucker Park after a man started shooting into the crowd in the heat of an argument.   

For more information, visit: www.nationalactionnetwork.net

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