Thank you so much for signing and following this petition. I would like to officially close this petition today as Pride 2016 begins in Dallas, TX. So much happened this past year, and it is all summed up in the below statement posted by Take Back Oak Lawn. Thank you again and please follow the Take Back Oak Lawn facebook page to continue to receive any safety related updates about our community. -John Anderson ------------------------------------------------ TAKE BACK OAK LAWN A Statement About Pride 2016: Pride started as a movement against discrimination and violence toward the LGBT community. Here in Oak Lawn, we are no stranger to hate. After pride of 2015, we saw a horrific string of attacks that left us blindsided, hurt, and confused. Through that pain we grew and came together. Police cameras were added, bars put up brighter lights and more cameras, the police met with us and understood us, Mark Cuban donated $1 million for extra patrols, and our city councilmen brought community leaders together for conversations about change. Take Back Oak Lawn is so proud of how our community has changed over the past year. When we are faced with tragedy in life we can either lose hope or find our inner strength to rise up to the challenge. While we do not have closure for the countless reported and unreported attacks that happened during this spree, we do have stronger relationships and organizations within our community as well as lasting changes that keep us safer and a fresh mindset to always stay vigilant. Pride is a celebration of life, love, and equality. Pride is a movement that heals, self-affirms, and remembers. While we have made tremendous progress, we must never forget those who have come before us who have contributed to our progress and always strive to leave a legacy of solidarity for those who come after us. Our struggles are strong, but as a community we have been and always will be stronger. We are proud of the success our city and community has had to reduce the crime this year and - while we should always be mindful of safety as a marginalized community - we believe that pride 2016 will be a fun and most importantly safe event. Thank you for your continued vigilance and have a safe pride weekend. #takebackoaklawn #dallaspride #solidarity Please follow http://facebook.com/takebackoaklawn for future updates regarding safety in Oak Lawn.