According to reports, Whitney Houston’s death caused a ripple affect across the world and even caused some of the street’s most dangerous criminals to pause and reflect on life.
Former high-ranking street gang member, Hykine Johnson posted a message on Facebook calling for citywide peace in honor of the super star on the day of her funeral the New Hope Baptist Church.
Johnson wrote, “If anyone out there is gang banging lets show Whitney Houston respect by committing no crimes on Saturday …… No shootings No robbing No car jacking basically no crazy (stuff) let us show some respect she helped a lot of people in NJ lets show love.”
Johnson is now an author an filmmaker, publishing works intended to show young people the perils of gang life in the city.
His powerful message transformed Newark into a peaceful place for a moment. He convinced some of the toughest members to reach for peace.
And it was a quiet day of remembrance.
