Church leaders in the city of Dunkirk are not putting their heads in the sand when it comes to community turbulence. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a block party event that will include games and food at Washington Park.

“We want to do something in response to the violence,” said Jim Bailey, event coordinator and pastor of the United Methodist Church. “We’re trying to connect with families to let them know, things don’t have to be the way they’ve been.”

June has been much quieter than May when 17 gunshots rang out on the east side and there was a stabbing death that was witnessed by more than 50 people on Lincoln Avenue. That, however, does not mean tensions are have lessened.

Bailey and Vern Seekings, pastor of Grace Fellowship Church, are to be commended for their efforts in attempting to bring the community together. It is a step in the right direction.

It’s also more important than the Tuesday war of words over walk-in resolutions, which was a greater priority to Dunkirk council members who continue to act as though safety of city residents is not their responsibility.