A weekend of events focused on preventing violence senseless killings and injustice in communities.

June 18 – 21, 2015 Cathedral International Campus

stop_the_funeralPERTH AMBOY, NJ – “Violence is a dreadful disease that continues to kill and destroy our youth, families and neighborhoods.  Caring leaders in communities must bring attention to unacceptable violent behavior no matter who is committing the violence,” said Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., founder of “Stop The Funeral Weekend” happening June 18 – 21, 2015 on the campus of Cathedral International, Perth Amboy, NJ.  

Joshua DuBois, former head of the Office of Faith Based Neighborhood Partnerships, Executive Office of President Barack Obama joins Bishop Hilliard in this crusade of awareness of how violence creates far too many funerals of our youth. Senior Pastor at Cathedral International for 32 years, Bishop Hilliard recalls during the early days of pastoring how he ended a vacation early to bury a 24 year old man from Perth Amboy.   Four months ago, this year, he buried Richard Pryce, a 27 year old man, killed also in a senseless manner.  Families of both of these young men will share their stories at “Stop The Funeral Weekend.”   

“Stopping the violence, stopping funerals and stopping injustice in communities are critical issues leaders must remain sensitive to while engaged in saving lives and creating better environments for families and youth,” said Bishop Hilliard. “The lives of all of our children matter.”

Everyone is invited to attend the free weekend which includes events where the voices of community leaders and youth will be heard.   

▪ Thursday, June 18, 2015 – “Points Of Light” an evening of celebrating Perth Amboy’s community leaders, 7pm, 205 Smith St., Perth Amboy, NJ.

▪ Friday, June 19, 2015 – A Night of the Arts

▪ Saturday, June 20, 2015 – A Panel Discussion – “The Real Deal” with Bishop Donald Hilliard & Joshua DuBois, 2pm, 205 Smith St., Perth Amboy, NJ.

▪ Sunday, June 21, 2015 – Joshua DuBois is guest speaker at 8:30am and 11:30am Sunday services, Cathedral International, 277 Madison Ave., Perth Amboy, NJ.

Bishop Hilliard wrote the book “Stop The Funeral:  Reaching A Generation Determined To Kill Itself”  in 2000, and re-published it in 2013 to reach clergy, community leaders, families, and individuals facing the challenges of violence and other life-damaging behaviors.    

For additional information and to provide sponsorship, contributions, partnerships, talent, and other support for this much needed weekend, call (908)718-7867 or email: stopthefuneralweekend@gmail.com.            

Contact: Carole Dortch-Wright
(732)585.4011  Email:  caroledw@thecathedral.org