When Ford was a community school, whole families were educated and supported, as explained by former principal Dr. Crane:

This is how the Highlands Coalition worked with the school: In 2007, Etienne Goodland, a mother of four Ford School students, was murdered.  Three months later, Dr. Crane told us that the children were living on the floor of a one-bedroom apartment. We found a 3-bedroom across from the school and convinced the owner to reduce the rent. As the family passed the garden, young Jack asked David: Mr. Plantman, do you have juicy carrots? David said: Jack, it’s snowing. In the Spring he gave the kids a plot in the garden. They loved it and often returned to help.

This was the fourth domestic homicide in the neighborhood. We helped Dr. Crane organize a Peace-in-the City rally, attracting 600. The Mayor, Police Chief, HAWC and neighbors spoke. Pastor Bill of Zion Baptist Church urged action. Take a look:

We organized hundreds, mostly Ford students and their families, on a peace march to City Hall.

Even out of tragedy comes hope, especially when a community school and neighbors work together.