By Wilana Carter
Most residents of the Northside are touched or are at least aware of the economic situation that affects the entire Pittsburgh area. When the North Side Conference knew that the East Street Highway project was to be funded the natural inclination was to push for jobs for Northsiders -- it has been an uphill struggle.
In the quest for jobs and the search for ideas to bridge the communications gap, the Jericho March on June 6 was a stroke of genius. The news media reported the sit-down and the fact that nine people went to jail and were released. What they missed was the re-enactment of the Old Testament story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho.
The group assembled at East and Suismon Streets and held hands for prayer and then marched in an orderly fashion to the construction company’s headquarters. The group marched in double file around the front of the building six times, on the seventh time came around to the sound of a trumpet. The only response from the contractor was picture taking from inside the building and an occasional look through the blinds.
The group then marched to the construction site and sat down in front of the crane. Finally the crane stopped and again came the sound of the trumpet. After that, of course, came the police. The demonstration was peaceful, well planned and executed.
For this writer the demonstration did three things: (1) it encouraged the re-reading of a favorite Bible story, (2) it rekindled admiration for the resilience and courage of the young, and (3) it makes you realize, rewards seldom come without struggle.
