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Park Hill Neighborhood Tries To Change Image After Shooting

DENVER (CBS4)- It's been less than a week since an anti-gang activist and Park Hill community leader Terrance Roberts was arrested for allegedly shooting another man near a community center he helped rebuild.

Now that community is trying to revamp their image with a BBQ and community gathering. That celebration is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Terrance Roberts, 37, is facing attempted murder charges. He's a former gang member-turned activist and the founder of the Prodigal Son Initiative.

The victim, Hassan Jones, 22, is recovering at Denver Health Medical Center. It's not clear what Roberts' motivation might have been. Witness say he knew the victim well.

The shooting happened outside the Boys and Girls Club on 33rd and Holly. It's an area that has been the focus of a community turnaround to combat gang violence. In May of 2008 gang members set fire to a shopping center on the same block.

The Prodigal Son Initiative is located on the same block. Roberts said he wanted to eradicate the violence in the neighborhood.

The Boys and Girls Club location said they are committed to spreading the message of and living the anti-gang, drug and violence lifestyle.

The new Nancy P. Anschutz Center will celebrate its official opening Oct. 1.

People in this neighborhood are optimistic about the neighborhood's future and what the center means to the community.

"That's what we are trying to educate the kids on, is you have to make the right choices in life," said business owner James Chapman.

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