Community unites for faith walk to reflect on violence and knife crime

The Walsall community came together to take part in a faith walk and reflect on violence and knife crime on Thursday 14 December 2023.

Members of all faiths and none joined together to make their way from Primark in Walsall town centre to the Knife Angel, a powerful symbol of the destructive nature of knife crime, which will be situated outside the New Art Gallery until Thursday 28 December.    

Since its unveiling in Walsall town centre, the imposing sculpture, comprised of 100,000 knives, has evoked reflection and conversation around the devastating impact of knife crime.    

The faith walk, organised by Black Country Innovate and The James Brindley Foundation, saw people from all backgrounds in attendance, including The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Chris Towe, Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resilient Communities and Mark Brindley, a trustee at The James Brindley Foundation.    

Councillor Gary Perry said, “Bringing the Knife Angel to Walsall was the right thing to do, because what we wanted it to do was evoke a community conversation, and I believe it has done that.      

“I think at the end of December when we wave goodbye to the Knife Angel, there will be a legacy left behind by the Knife Angel because its presence has helped bring that conversation to the fore.      

“If the Knife Angel changes the behaviour of one person, or more importantly saves the life of one person, then we have done our job.”   

Following the walk, a two-minute silence was held before powerful speeches were given outside of the New Art Gallery by local faith leaders Ricky Otto and Mustaqeem Shah.  

This was followed with a thought-provoking performance by local student and rapper Marcus Vanes, which encouraged young people to put down the knife.   

Mark Brindley said, “The Knife Angel reminds us we are the lucky ones, we are lucky to be alive and have the opportunity to make a difference because tragically, we are here after so many have already lost their lives to knife crime.    

“My message is a simple one, directed to high-profile individuals who have power and influence in society, please lend us your hand, lend us your influence, to win the hearts and minds of our young.   

"We need people to be that positive role model that is so desperately needed to bring about positive change.”  

A book of reflection has also been set up for residents to express thoughts on the Knife Angel and share perspectives on the significance of its presence in the community https://go.walsall.gov.uk/knife-angel.    

The sculpture will remain in Gallery Square, outside the New Art Gallery, until Thursday 28 December 2023 and the book of reflection can be signed at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/knife-angel.