The Killing of Leroy Phinazee: Harlem Activists, Elected Officials Hold Press Conference

  Phinazee and his son Landen.

Groups Call for Unity and an End to Violence in the Community

By Gary Glennell Toms

Street Corner Resources and members of the Harlem community recently gathered at the corner of the site where the killing of Leroy Phinazee occurred. Community activists and residents urged calm and restraint in the wake of the tragedy and denounced other acts of violence that have taken place. 

According to a report published in the New York Daily News, "Phinazee was ambushed from behind as he walked into the Funfair Deli on Lenox Ave. at W. 137th St. by a hooded gunman just past 7 p.m. on Monday, cops said."

Iesha Sekou, Founder and CEO of Street Corner Resources, urged Harlem residents, elected officials and community groups to come together and develop a plan to actively engage community youth and deter gang violence. "I was at the hospital with the family of the young man that was killed. I saw the pain in the mother's eyes, so I feel some kind of way about it! I feel some kind of way," said Sekou. "No mother should have to go through this! It's time for us to stand up and fight back as a community now.... and long after this press conference!" 

New York State Senator Brian Benjamin and a representative from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer were also in attendance.   

If you have any information on the killing, contact Detective Vasquez of the 32nd Precinct at (212) 690-6315.

Click here to watch From The G-Man's coverage of the press conference.