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Feb 14, 2008 11:00 pm US/Central
New Black Panthers Volunteer As Crossing Guards
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Members of the New Black Panthers surrounded a Dallas middle school today, saying it's unsafe.
They are unlike any crossing guards these students have ever seen.
Dressed in their black military still uniforms, members of the New Black Panthers turned their political organization into a volunteer one this week outside Lang Middle School in east Dallas.
"It's ridiculous, because there should be somebody here," said Bobby Johnson, a member of the New Black Panthers.
The Panthers are responding to neighborhood concerns about the lack of crossing guards on Chenault Street, which borders the west side of the school.
The police department says only elementary schools are required to have supervised crosswalks.
But too many close calls between kids and cars here have led to complaints that the city doesn't care.
"In the 6th grade, they ain't got no business by themselves," said grandparent Estalla Weaver.
"These cars go fast by the school, and it seems like they don't care," said parent Jackie Thomas.
There's not even a school zone on this busy street, which is adjacent to the campus. Students say it can be a wild walk home.
"I was walking across the street, and this car it didn't stop," said sixth grader Rayvon Weaver. "I had to jump back and across the curb, because it just kept going."
The Panthers say they will continue to walk the intersections until the city steps in.
Some at the school say they are a welcome sight in a neighborhood that feels neglected.
"It's a wonderful feeling when you walk out of the building, and you know they're here on the corner," said teacher Jean Cobb.
The New Black Panthers plan to make a formal request for crossing guards and a school zone speed limit on Chenault at an upcoming city council meeting.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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