Black Country Community Gospel Choir raise voice against violence

The gospel choir have decided to hold a special fund-raising concert in aid of anti-guns and gangs project Pandora's Box.

Ivylue Falcolner, from Willenhall, who set up the community choir, said she was inspired to do something for the cause after hearing about the bravery of the family of Charlene Ellis, who alongside Letisha Shakespeare was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Aston, Birmingham in 2003.

Together with other families who had been hit by gang crime, Charlene's mother Bev and twin sister Sophie, set up the charity Pandora's Box. It was at a presentation at the New Testament Church of God in Bilston that Ivylue first heard of their work aimed at ridding the region of gang-orientated crime.

"We were just touched by the work of the family. To have gone through that but then to go and do something so positive about it, is inspiring," said Ivylue.

"We need to teach young people that guns and gangs is not the way."

At the concert the choir will be joined by singer Annette B, Peter Spence, Janine Dyer, Spanna, Speechless in Mime and the dance group Tri-Unity. It will be held at Wolverhampton's Church of God of Prophecy on Gloucester Street at 6pm on June 25. Tickets bought in advance are £8.50, or £10 on the door. For further details contact Ivylue on 07709 365 635.

The concert coincides with the publication of a booklet which talks parents through practical steps they can take if they think their child is in a gang.

Letisha, aged 17, and Charlene,18, were shot outside a hair salon in Birchfield Road, Aston as they were leaving a party in the early hours of January 2, 2003.

Since then their mothers have actively campaigned against gun crime and gangs.