Calls for Less Violence, More Prosperity During Prayer Rally

Some members of Pine Bluff’s faith community gathered on the steps of the city’s Civic Center Saturday to pray for an end to violence and a revival of economic prosperity in this once thriving town situated in the Delta.

“It’s Pine Bluff’s winning season,” shouted Pastor Marilyn Shelley after a young praise dancer finished her worship performance to gospel singer Tasha Cobbs’ song, “It’s My Winning Season.” Her words echoed throughout the complex housing city government including the police department.

There have been three murders in Pine Bluff in the last five days. Hours before the early morning prayer rally, a police officer shot and killed a suspect near the intersection of Roane and North Willow near the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The Arkansas State Police are investigating. To date, 11 people have been killed in Pine Bluff this year.

“We need prayer,” said Alice Bell, a volunteer from House of Bread Church which organized the rally. St. Mary Harris, founder of House of Bread, started the rally several years ago.

Andrea Washington stood with her daughter on the fringe of the gathering and listened to the speakers. “We need to get back to prayer because it was prayer that brought down the walls of Jericho,” she said. “People say they want change, but when there’s an opportunity for change, you only have a handful of people. I was looking for more people to be here. Where are the City Council leaders so when the Spirit speaks…what did It tell you to do?”

Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington’s voice filled with tears and she wiped them away as they slipped from her eyes. “It looks like crime is taking over, but we know You still reign,” she said during her prayer. “We ask You to reduce this level of crime and hate that seems to be overtaking us.”

Since April 2017 the Mayor said she along with members of the clergy have participated in “One Pine Bluff Praying Together,” a program that includes an hour of prayer on the last Sunday in the months that have 31 days. The Mayor said positive change is happening as she pointed to the Civic Center’s expansive courtyard as an example and reflected on its clean, landscaped appearance. During the Mayor’s term, the “Go Forward, Pine Bluff” initiative passed, plans were announced for a new downtown library  , and efforts to enhance the city’s economic revitalization including adding casinos have been widely discussed.

“We have to pray for this city in order for our city to prosper,” Mayor Washington stated.

The rally lasted little more than an hour. As LaKita Murry pulled out of the parking lot, she said, “It’s something the city definitely needs. Our youth have fallen and are lost, and we need prayer. We need something to unite the city.”