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Russell Simmons, Politicians Push for Gun Laws During Peace Week

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - This week has been designated as "Peace Week" and entertainers are teaming up with politicians to push for stricter gun laws.

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, City Councilman Charles Barron and others came together at the steps of City Hall in part to say law enforcement can't do it alone.

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WCBS 880 Reporter Marla Diamond gets details on 'Peace Week"

"Peace Week" organizer Erica Ford told WCBS 880 Reporter Marla Diamond the goal is to change the culture of youth violence that's impacted lives all across the country.

"From U.S. Representative Gabrielle Gifford, her staff and her constituents in Arizona to countless mothers who've lost their children to gun violence," said Ford.

Joanne Soto is one of those whose lives were changed by gun violence. Her college-bound son, Londell, was gunned down in front of his Bronx home in December.

"And he always symbolized love and peace and I feel that my purpose right now is to make his dream come true," said Soto.

A series of events in all five boroughs will target young men of color who are disproportionately impacted by gun violence.

Last year during "Peace Week", over 1,000 men across the city and in Westchester signed up to be volunteer peacekeepers in their communities.

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