Diane Suchetka, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio — They turned out despite the cold, drizzling rain – babies and great-grandmothers, nuns and imams, local heroes and working stiffs. And together, they walked the walk.
More than 150 people took part in what organizers hope will be the first International Walk and Run for Peace, Justice and Empowerment.
“The goal was to bring out the neighborhood and try to create peace where we can, start coming together street by street,” said Shirley Ellington, an organizer of Saturday morning’s event.
“You can’t have a safe community, you can’t have an economically thriving community, if people are afraid to come out,” said Khalid Samad, a founder of Peace in the Hood, another sponsor of march.
“If good organizes, then evil will move out.”
And good did organize.
Representatives from groups throughout the area marched down Kinsman Road through the heart of the Mount Pleasant neighborhood some arm in arm, some flashing peace signs, some chanting along with Samad.
“Down with the dope. Up with the hope.”
“Put down the guns. Pick up a book.”
The walk ended at Luke Easter Park with Oberlin College drummers and speakers who took turns calling for an end to violence.
The group also took time to mourn those who’ve been killed in Cleveland recently, including Cherelle Taylor, who was shot on April 12 at her mother’s home in Mount Pleasant, the same Cleveland neighborhood where serial-killing suspect Anthony Sowell lived.
Story Courtesy Of The Plain Dealer
