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Marches in Petersburg and Richmond aim to stop violence, promote peace

Posted at 12:25 AM, May 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-01 01:21:35-04

RICHMOND, Va. – Events in Richmond and Petersburg promoted peace and anti-violence Saturday.

Church leaders and Richmond police officers hosted the 11th annual Youth Peace Summit in the River City.

Supporters converged on the Southside campus of the St. Paul`S Baptist Church.

This year's theme was uniting youth for a just Richmond region.

The day started with a march and was followed by workshops.

Attendees enjoyed lunch and heard from Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham.

The event was sponsored by the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Additionally, community members gathered for an anti-violence march in honor of the four family members murdered two years ago in Petersburg.

The group started marching at Metropolitan Baptist Church and walked to the Virginia Avenue Elementary School.

Alexander Hill has been charged in the brutal slaying, where the family was murdered and their home was set on fire.

Participants said the event gives the community a chance to honor and grieve the lives lost.