MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Dozens in Memphis honored two children gunned down in their neighborhoods by rallying for peace. The event was organized by Memphis Mothers Against Violence.
Some voices were strong; some voices small, but together people stood at Getwell and Rhodes shouting for peace.
“Are you going to wait until police knock on your door and say you`re child has been murdered? Are you going to wait until gang bangers come for you for nothing at all? When do you say enough is enough?” asked Memphis Mothers Against Violence Founder, Bridget Bradley.
This week Memphis is heartbroken over a rash of violence. All on the same day, 15-year-old Cateria Stokes was shot and killed while sleeping in her bed. 7-year-old Kirsten Williams was murdered by gang members’ guns while playing outside on her street. And dozens of teens attacked a Good Samaritan helping an older lady to her car at a gas station.
“We have to take back our streets. These gangs shouldn’t be running our city. The community should run it,” said Bradley.
Memphis Mothers against Violence originally planned this rally for later this month, but after all the brutality, they said it needed to happen now.
“Put the guns down and fight like a man!’ shouted out Frank Gottie. “Not with a fist. I’m talking about with your mind. You got to fight obstacle,” said Gottie.
“As a community, how do we fight with our minds?” asked WREG’s Elise Preston.
“Stick together, respect one another,” replied Gottie.
By sticking together, the group hopes both people and systems change in Memphis.
“Get the judges to enforce these laws instead of cut the laws. Give the police their money back so we can get officers in the streets,” said Frances Rodgers.
They say things have to change, there is no other way.
“Just to see that 7-year-old- it hurt my heart. I have children and if I don’t stand up for them I might as well bury them tomorrow because ain’t nobody else is going to stand up for them,” said one mother at the rally.
Rally organizers chose the corner of Getwell and Rhodes for Saturday’s event, because it was close to both Cateria and Kirsten’s homes.
