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The postponement of a night-out event last week at Hickory Trails Apartments underscores the gravity of the situation there.

That an event repudiating violence, and with a show in force and concern from police and city leaders was pushed back at least partly out of fear of more violence -- makes it clear that the fatal shooting of  16-year-old Breyon Shon Deese at the public housing complex was more than a personal grudge that turned ugly.

The event, suggested by City Council candidate Ben Holder, was rescheduled for this week.

Good.

It provides an important chance to say no to the kind of senselessness that claimed another young life.

It provides a chance as well to dramatize how it isn't t just police who confront violent crimes but whole communities who make it clear that we have had enough.

That when some of us are hurt, all of us feel it.

This is not just a Hickory Trails problem. It is a Greensboro problem.

Bits and pieces of comments from various residents paint a picture of a place plagued by fear and intimidation.

I remember a similar aura of resignation and hopelessness at the old Morningside Homes, where gunfire and drug deals  were routine backdrops to everyday life.

I know. I spent three days -- and two very long nights -- there in 2000. I was lucky. I got to leave.

The Hickory Trails tragedy appears gang-related, though police haven’t said so yet.

One resident termed it "a small group of bad people."

That's sad, especially in a complex run by the city.

And we as a community should not stand for it.