Asbury Park, NJ – Recently, there has been a spur of violence in the Asbury Park/Neptune, NJ community, inciting rage among community leaders and citizens demanding action.
Rosetta Johnson, a long-time Asbury Park resident and retired NPP Director of Asbury Park, re-counts just missing the gunfire.
Edric Gordon, 21 was killed Friday May 27th on Dewitt Avenue in Asbury Park. Days before his killing, there was spree of gunfire on Heck Avenue in Neptune.
“Traveling down Springwood Avenue today on my way shopping I saw a car wrapped around a pole. I noticed bullet holes in rear windows seconds before I passed it happened. No one was outside except two neighbors calling police. I hear two people were shot inside car. I was stuck at light on Atkins Ave and Springwood Avenue when it happened. Thank God I was delayed I would had been caught up in crossfire!”
Unheard Voices Magazine : Ms Johnson, there has been a wave of recent gunfire amongst the youth in the township of Asbury and Neptune.
Can you give me your thoughts on how you feel about the situation? And how it has affected you directly?
Rosetta Johnson : This has been the first wave of gunfire since the City of Asbury Park has layoff of policemen. Though it is common for crimes to occur it’s unusual for police response to be so slow. I was the first on the scene today between 2:20 and approximately 3:00 honestly I did not check the time. I just arrived seconds after the incident (meaning the shooting and car accident) had taken place.
It affects my quality of life because I was delayed at a stop sign. If I was not delayed I may had been injured. The incident took place at Atlantic and Springwood Avenue. I was at the traffic light at Atkins and Springwood Avenue. One block away I tell you, singing to a song on the radio. Just a few seconds more I would have been caught up in gunfire.
I want transparency and accountability. Our local leaders have to tell us what exactly they are going to do to keep us safe. What steps they are going to take. In addition, I spoke with police headquarters I left a message for Chief Kinmon, my question to him is going to be with the recent layoffs what is your department doing to substitute police power. They received a grant for $ 25,000 for cameras that can be used in police cars or on utility poles.
I want to know when they are going to put surveillance cameras up on utility poles to replace some of the police that were layoff. Second, summer is already here and so many children will be roaming the street what can they do and what are they planning to do as well? I will inquire whether an ordinance needs to be changed or amended as far as curfews to offset delinquency. Last does your department need help or find money to bring officers back! I have seen better response time then what I saw today.
Unheard Voices Magazine: You have proposed some good questions to the Asbury Park Police Chief and thank God that you were not caught in the cross fire as you left your home today. It is a scary situation that is occurring in Asbury and Neptune, and as we speak, I was just told that there was another gun fire and taped off area near Embery Ave at Ridge Court Apartments in the Neptune area has just occurred.
What would say to the young people that seemly have no human conscious or remorse and are willing to take a life at the blink of an eye?
Rosetta Johnson : Once they join gangs their conscientious goes out the window and their allegiance is to their organization. However, they bleed like everybody. I saw on the news gang members calling a truce to dismantle.
Unheard Voices Magazine : Yes, you are so right about the gang’s commitment to an endless deadly organization. And yes, they do bleed just like everyone else!
For those people who are concerned citizens like yourself can come out to the council meeting in Asbury Park on June 1 at 7pm and Neptune Township’s council meeting on June 13th to have their voices heard!
Do you think that the parents and the lack of parental supervision have a lot to do with the problem?
Rosetta Johnson : Parents hands are tied, one by the State of NJ DYFS some are afraid to raise their voice fearing being locked up for child cruelty. Second, the young men who have dropped out of school, unemployed, and have been in the system try to survive the best way that they can. Social learning theory applies; they are a product of their environment. Last, what’s a parent to do when their son or daughter gets caught up in membership? The influence is overwhelming and parents chance of getting their children back is hopeless. The first constitution of America gives them freedom of speech to discriminate against what they believe is unconstitutional. So, we hope that they age out of these phases and have families of their own and re-gain their senses!
Unheard Voices Magazine
Yes, you have hit it right on the nose! Back in the day, this problem didn’t exist because the parent had more control. I just hope that with people like yourself, that are concerned citizens, can help make a difference and show the kids that there are other things out there beside gang banging and killing one another! And show them that God loves them no matter where and what their situation is…
Do you think that drugs in the community have totally broken down the Asbury Park and Neptune communities and others like them? What are you thoughts?
Rosetta Johnson : Drugs in our communities are their only means to support themselves with no chance of finding suitable work and with prior records they feel it’s their only chance of survival. Even though it’s a risky business!
Unheard Voices Magazine : Ms. Johnson, would you please leave the Unheard Voices readers with your final thought on this situation?
Rosetta Johnson : I’m the president of United for the Community established in 1999 it has a federal and state tax identification numbers. The Primary role is to answer secondary issues in Asbury Park, such as these incidents. I became inactive when I went to work for City of Asbury Park. I was working with the City to address such issues. I have since retired due to an accident. I had spine fusion surgery but have enough energy to resurrect the organization. As a matter of fact many are interested in joining. It’s an old saying Keith, if you want something done do it yourself…
Unheard Voices Magazine : I personally would love to get involved with such a program. Once again, Unheard Voices would like to thank you very much for your voice! I agree with you 100% “If you want something done do it yourself”!
Rosetta Johnson : As always, thank you Unheard Voices for this interview!
Unheard Voices Magazine : Unheard Voices would like to thank you Ms. Johnson very much for sharing your story, for providing your thoughts and for speaking out against violence in the community
Speak up and be heard!
God Bless you!
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