Believe it or not, signs with all sorts of positive messages will be posted in Newark, NJ in an attempt to counter crime through positivity and inspiration.
According to a New York Magazine report, British artist, Killy Kilford, is working with local officials to install street signs with positive messages on them throughout Newark.
Over the past few months, Kilford has been working with schools and detention centers to identify 10 phrases that will be manufactured on metal street signs and installed on street posts with the aim of decreasing violence in the city.
On his Facebook page, Kilford described the artwork movement—which he started by illegally posting signs in NYC last year—as “juxtaposed traditional street sign structures with motivational phrases that aim to inspire well-being and positive change.”
According to previous reports, there were 111 homicides in Newark last year, and 63 in the city so far this year.
The signs include messages like “Less Drugs, More Hugs” and “Follow Dreams, Not Crowds.”
Both the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition and Mayor Ras Baraka support the initiative.
Hundreds of the signs will officially be installed in Newark on October 15.
Mayor Baraka stated, “We are really looking forward to working with Killy Kilford to bring Happy Street signs to Newark. We hope that these signs will provide our residents with motivation and inspiration as they read them while walking through the streets of their neighborhood.”
The whole point of the project is is to reduce gun violence, violent crimes like assault, shoplifting, and numerous other crimes like drug possession.
The logic behind the plan appears to be that certain criminals violate the law because they feel locked into life circumstances they never chose to be born into, whether socioeconomic or cultural. Consequently, they begin to lose hope and a vision of a brighter future beyond the bounds of a life of crime.
By being reminded of positive messages, Mayor Baraka and Mr. Kilford believe such offenders might be emotionally affected in a positive way that could prevent future crime.
If you recently were charged with a crime in New Jersey, contact Rosenblum Law today at 888-815-3649.
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