The murder of Tyler Binstead in March of 2008 took place on the outskirts of Byrd Park, but most residents of the surrounding neighborhoods felt personally affected and haven’t forgotten.  Linda O’Brian, whose daughter survived the attack, is hoping that people from the community will help her produce a series of community dialogues. She has contacted other blogs who are also posting their perspective along with the notice below:

“Hello friends, I live in Blacksburg but my VCU daughter survived a violent crime in Byrd Park almost 2 years ago. I’m doing a community dialogue theater piece on the event and all the discussion it provoked, to try and bring understanding to matters of crime, violence, history, discrimination, trauma, race, youth, drugs and guns. I also want to include all the vitality of Richmond community life. I need some friendly collaborators from the Richmond area to help out. I want a better world. Anyone interested please contact me.  Lmobrientribe@yahoo.com“

In further correspondence, Ms. O’Brian added:

“The project will be in development for at least a year. When it goes, it will most likely be in Blacksburg with the Tech theater department. Of course, I would hope to have it performed eventually in Richmond. It would be most helpful to have researchers in Richmond who might be willing to do interviews in the blocks where the three convicted teens lived. Also, people willing to get stories of good things happening in Richmond as well as the local music and art scene. That is something of what is needed. I would hope to find places for volunteers according to their interests.”

If you are interested or just curious, Ms. O’Brian welcomes our input. Lmobrientribe@yahoo.com