Calling a series of more than 10 killings this summer in South Jamaica and the Rockaways a community emergency, leaders will hold a Family Meeting today at York College to address the problem.

T. Rodgers, founder and former leader of The Bloods gang in Los Angeles, will be the keynote speaker.

"We''re trying to do some organizing of the young people to put an end to the killing," said Erica Ford of The Code, a youth organization she founded with the late rapper Tupac Shakur. "We''re calling on the entire black family. It's time to stop the madness. From South Jamaica to Harlem to Far Rockaway our children are dying. What are you gonna do?"

The Code has also organized a Gang Summit for gang members and community members tomorrow in Harlem, and a rally on the beach in Far Rockaway.

The free Family Meeting begins at 6 p.m. Assemb. Vivian Cooke (D-South Ozone Park) and Allah Understanding, representing the Baisley projects in South Jamaica, are among others scheduled to speak.

Source: NYNewsday.com