WASHINGTON, D. C. - In February, Cleveland Heights minister Darrell Scott told President Donald Trump he'd be hosting a meeting with some of Chicago's "top gang thugs" to reduce the city's "body count" by introducing social programs.
"That's a great idea because Chicago is totally out of control," Trump replied at a White House celebration of black history.
See Cleveland Heights pastor Darrell Scott speak at the Republican National Convention (video)
After facing widespread criticism for his public statements to Trump, Scott revised his "gang thug" description of his Chicago contacts, and rescheduled the gang summit. He attributed his word choice to lack of sleep before the White House event.
On Tuesday, the New Spirit Revival Center pastor hosted the promised meeting at a Washington hotel within view of the White House.
Six Chicago residents described their hopes to start a new community service organization called "Stronger Together" that would rehabilitate housing and create new technical high schools that would teach skills like producing rap music.
NOT "Gang Thugs", FORMER street guys that are now community activists. MY BAD! No harm or disrespect intended! (I'm a former street guy too)
-- Dr.Darrell Scott (@PastorDScott) February 2, 2017
Scott and representatives of established companies and community service groups that specialize in redevelopment, education, blight removal, fund procurement and job creation heard them out and offered suggestions.
Cleveland-native Kareem Lanier said a financial consortium he runs in Atlanta could help the group acquire houses. Russell Simmons associate Hasan Muhammad suggested the budding organization devise a 90-day game plan.
Another man - also named Darrell Scott - said the anti-bullying organization he founded after his daughter was killed in the Columbine massacre might be able to help the group acquire a school building. The two Darrell Scotts were introduced by a mutual friend after being confused with one another on social media.
"You're getting all the expertise little companies would die for," said Elizabeth Singleton, who runs a community housing organization in Arizona.
Scott, the Cleveland pastor, said he's "not political" and is merely trying to share the White House connections he has now that his friend, Trump, is president.
"That man is the most popular man on the face of the planet Earth," said Scott. You all are connected to the White House. ... If you went up there and knocked on the door and said my name, they would open that door and let you in. It's no brag. It's just a fact. Let's maximize that. For at least four years, we got the connect."
It's going down today!! Ballyhooed Chicago 'gang summit' moved to D.C. https://t.co/E32tkEOjk9
-- Dr.Darrell Scott (@PastorDScott) April 18, 2017
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