Community gathers for annual prayer march for peace through Homewood – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Nearly two dozen homicides in the city of Pittsburgh in 2022 have raised questions about how to stop the killings.

“On Good Friday we look at when Jesus got most down and he was embarrassed all that stuff and our churches get down and on Easter we look at that as the day of resurrection,” said Rev. Cornell Jones of the House of Manna who organized the walk. “We look at the resurrection of the community. As tough as it looks now, we will recover from the violence.”

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The Homewood to East Liberty walk on Friday focused on peace initiatives.

The Pittsburgh Police Department also attended, as Police Chief Scott Schubert said it was up to everyone to take responsibility for what was going on and stop it.

“They’re upset, they’re frustrated that this level of violence is going on,” Schubert said. “It’s unacceptable to all of us and as the Pittsburgh Police Department we will work with the community to reduce the violence.”

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The work isn’t over after the two-mile walk. Jones said her job is to actively help decrease the homicides.

“What we’re doing here is approaching the situation,” Jones told KDKA. “When we get to the place, we take away all excuses. Anyone can sign up for different organizations to get involved with.”

“Often people look at the black community and say we’re used to trauma and violence and no, we’re not used to it,” said Dr. Toya Jones. “We want the community to know that we don’t want violence. We stand for peace.”

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Community members said they want to build up crime-ridden neighborhoods like Homewood and make a difference now. They don’t want future generations to have to go through the same thing.