Night Out Against Crime Rallies Held Thoughout New Orleans

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – The Make it Right playground in the Lower Ninth Ward was one setting in the 26th annual Night Out Against Crime. Food and music drew people together in the now sparsely populated neighborhood slammed by Hurricane Katrina four years ago this month. Community activist Valerie Schexnayder said it's important to keep watch when homes can be blocks away from each other.
City officials visited several of the community gatherings, along with police and local lawmakers. Organizers hope that when people know their neighbors, those stronger bonds will lower crime.