Annual Homewood Peace March Aims To Stop Violence
HOMEWOOD (KDKA) – Many people in Homewood took advantage of having off from work or school on this Good Friday, as dozens of people gathered together for a Peace March.
The third annual march kicked off in front of Westinghouse High School. People of all ages, led by Pittsburgh police, walked about a mile, with a clear message.
"Bring a little more togetherness around here; everything's so separated," said Lamont Collier of Homewood.
"It's important in this neighborhood because we need peace. We need the peace of God in this neighborhood, so we're marching and praying in the name of Jesus," said Homewood resident Denice Brown.
"People have seen us as dead and gone for a long time, but now, with what God has been doing over the years and what God will do, we see hope in Homewood," said Rev. Eugene Blackwell.
Blackwell helped organize the demonstration, along with other church and community leaders. People with different backgrounds all united on Good Friday with one common goal: to stop the violence.
"We wanted to show the community that God provides, and that God loves our community," said Blackwell. "So, really, our purpose is to share with the community that God loves it and to bring some hope to this particular community."
Although walkers say there is still a lot to be done, they have already seen positive changes from past marches.
"We've definitely seen a decrease in murders and we've been able to be out on the streets and talk with the young people and asking if they would stop the violence," Blackwell said.
Organizers said they hope to continue these marches for years to come.
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