Christopher Jones Memorial Scholarship Application
On November 17. 2007, Christopher “C-Snake Boogie” Jones went from being an ordinary 16-year-old to a statistic, the 52nd homicide victim in the Rochester region for the year when he was gunned down outside his home. In honor of his memory, his mother Sirena Cotton founded the ROC the Peace Fest and ROC the Peace, Inc. ROC the Peace is a small grassroots nonprofit with the mission to support the fight against violence in the community through prevention education, community outreach, and service along with collaboration.
The Christopher Jones Memorial Scholarship awards African American/Black and Latine/Hispanic
graduating high school seniors that have been accepted into a college/university.
Qualifications
- African American/Black or Latine/Hispanic
- Current graduating high school senior
- GPA 2.0/C or higher
Required Application Materials
- Official High School Transcript
- College Acceptance Letter
- 300-400 Word Typed Essay
- ROC the Peace’s motto is, “Peace begins with me.” How does peace begin with you and what does a peaceful Rochester look like?
- One Letter of Recommendation
- The recommender can be a school counselor, teacher, work supervisor, community organization leader, or church official.
- Recent Photo
- Photo Release Form
Application Deadline – July 1st
Mail/Email completed applications to:
ROC the Peace, Incorporated
ATTN: Christopher Jones Memorial Scholarship
PO Box 24084
Rochester, New York 14624
Questions? Please contact 585-708-9787 or business@rocthepeace.com
Youth For Peace
Encouraging change in our community starts with peace in our youth
Sirena Cotton
- Are you concerned about the youth in our community?
- Do you want to be a part of the solution?
- Are you a mentor?
- Are you willing to volunteer your time a few hours a month?
- Are you a youth between the age of 5 and 18?
- Have you lost your sibling, parent or close friend to violence by death or prison?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, then Youth For Peace is for YOU!
We are looking for mentors and youth who wish to join our Youth For Peace group. We meet once or twice per month.
How to get started:
Contact ROC The Peace today. Call/text 585-708-9787 or email business@rocthepeace.com.
Why My Baby?! Support Group
Have you tragically lost a child or grandchild by death or prison?
Surround yourself with others who share similar difficulties. Why My Baby?! is here for you twice a month.
Feel free to join us in-person or via Zoom.
In-Person:
When: The last Monday of every month at 6 PM
Where: 292 Hudson Avenue, Rochester, NY
Virtual Support Group Session:
When: Third Saturday of every month at 3 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Meeting ID-88155579988, Code-RTP
Call/Text Sirena Cotton @ 585-820-4049
How to Join:
Walk-ins are welcome, but to stay notified, call Sirena Cotton at 585-820-4049 or email business@rocthepeace.com.
#COLDCASEFILES
KNOW Something, SEE Something, SAY Something!
In an effort to help families heal from their loved ones unsolved murders, WE CAN WALK WITH YOU.
Please provide the following details:
Sponsored by:
- YG Global Ministries
- ROC The Peace
- Crime Stoppers
2016 Photos Now Available!
Throughout the year, we’ve done several peace walks, prayer circles and our annual Peace Fest. Take a look at our photos at rocthepeace.org/photos to view images from throughout 2016 and more!
Nonviolence Organization Announces Theme for 2016 and Community Contest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Town Hall Meeting Aug 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Rochester Police Department uses its crime scene tape much more than the city’s surrounding suburbs. From the drive-by triple homicide at Rochester’s only Boys & Girls last week to the shooting of 24-year old on Portland Avenue last night, local residents are crying out for relief in what seems to be a city in torment. Continue Reading
Why Teens are ‘Off The Chain’ These Days
I think one of the problems we (both adults and teens) are not understanding is that these kids are intelligent, but their brains aren’t done growing yet. For example, the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that inhibits impulse reactions and controls behavior, isn’t really fully developed until around age 25. Kids who have lived in/near the poverty line probably develop even slower. So a teenager is more likely to explode in a stressful situation. Continue Reading
Prayer Circle for Seven Shot in Boys & Girls Club Drive-By
ROC The Peace in conjunction with Rise Up Rochester will join area residents, community leaders and religious leader this morning to conduct a Prayer Circle– a vigil where we join hands in a circle of prayer to begin the healing of our community and the families involved. We will begin at 11:30 AM at the Boys & Girls Club at 500 Genesee St, Rochester, NY 14611.
Continue Reading
Event Photos Now Available!
Our biggest event yet, the 6th Annual Rise Up & ROC The Peace Fest was another successful event full of laughter, cheer and fun for the entire family. Please feel free to share a photo with your friends and followers! Continue Reading