Youths aim to end violence

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, May 26, 2008 by Phil Anderson

By Phil Anderson

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

After fellow student Farrell Sanders was shot and killed at age 17 in the early hours of May 1, two Highland Park High School students decided to take action.

The result was Sunday afternoon's "Students Against Violence" march that started at 2:30 p.m. at the school, 2424 S.E. California Ave .

The idea was hatched by Ta'Micka Cavitte, 16, and Kenissa Perkins, 16, both of whom just completed their sophomore year at Highland Park.

"We want to show people we are concerned and we want to put an end to all the violence," said Cavitte, who was president of the school's sophomore class this past year. "Even though we're kids, we do have our own point of view. When there are violent acts in our community, they do directly affect us.

"We want to let people know we are aware, and we're out to change what's going on."

Perkins concurred, saying the march was designed to bring attention to violence in Topeka and the students' desire to see that it ends.

"We have a voice," Perkins said, "and it needs to be heard."

About 75 people, ranging from babies in buggies to middle-aged men and women, took part in the march, which proceeded south on S.E. California to S.E. 29th before returning to the school. A Topeka Unified School District 501 police car escorted the marchers .

No arrests have been made in some cases, including that of Sanders, who died in the 2400 block of S.E. Minnesota - three blocks west of Highland Park High School.

Just four days before Sanders was slain, David Wakes, 25, a Highland Park High School graduate, was shot and killed April 27 in the 2800 block of S.E. Michigan. No arrests have been made in the Wakes case.

Tavon Redmond, 15, a Topeka High School student, said he attended the march to honor Sanders.

"I'm here because of Farrell - because of people who are gone," Redmond said. "People have got to straighten up, stop what they're doing and stop killing people."

Before Sunday's march, Highland Park Principal Dale Cushinberry commended Cavitte and Perkins for their idea for the event. He said the girls presented the idea in writing several weeks ago.

Also marching was Darlenea Johnson, 49, who held a sign in honor of Andre Baker, a relative who was slain at age 23 on Jan. 3, 2006, at 935 S.E. 21st, near the U-Market.

Johnson said she hoped the march would be an annual event.

"God willing," Johnson said, "I'll be out here at every one of them."

Phil Anderson can be reached

at (785) 295-1195

or phil.anderson@cjonline.com.