Event at Cathedral Basilica offers solace and solidarity after deadly shooting
NEWARK, N.J. – Just days after a senseless and deadly shooting on Chancellor Avenue, Superintendent León joined faith leaders, law enforcement officials, and community members at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart to denounce violence and call for unity and healing.
“We have zero tolerance for hate in any form and violence of any type in any of our schools in this city, throughout the state, and in fact in this country. And we have zero tolerance for violence and hate in our communities,” said Superintendent León. “The heartbreak felt across the Newark Public Schools community and throughout the City of Newark because of the senseless shooting Saturday evening cannot be expressed in words. We mourn the loss of one of our students, a woman who was killed, and we continue to pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, which includes another one of my students.”
The interfaith service, titled “One Nation, One Peace,” was organized by the International Stop The Violence Alliance, Inc. (ISTVA) and the International Torch For Peace Foundation. Although the event had been planned long before the shooting, the tragedy cast a deeper significance over the gathering. The service brought together various community partners, including the N.J. State Troopers Association and the N.J. State Police Benevolent Association.
Performances from students across New Jersey provided moments of reflection and comfort. The Arts High School Choir represented Newark, offering a poignant performance of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” before the Superintendent took the podium.
A native Newarker and proud product of the city’s public schools, Superintendent León described the Cathedral as “a place where teachings and healing occur every day.” He reminded attendees that the city’s young people are watching what the adults do closely during moments like these.
“The children in our schools and here in the basilica are watching us. To the incredible young people here, we see you watching us,” he said. “May we find healing together—in prayer and in all of our actions.”
As he spoke, Dr. Stephne R. Coney, ISTVA Founder and CEO, stepped forward to embrace the Superintendent in a powerful gesture of solidarity—one that resonated deeply with those gathered in the Cathedral.
Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council thanked the Superintendent for his remarks.
“When our community suffers unimaginable loss, our first responsibility is to unite around our children and families with love, strength, and purpose,” said Council. “The voices raised at Tuesday’s interfaith service remind us that Newark stands together, even in our darkest moments. I thank Superintendent León for using his voice to call for peace and for reminding all of us that our children are watching how we respond. We owe them a safer, more compassionate world.”