RICHMOND, Va. -- Over a dozen Richmonders marched on the Southside and called for an end to violence Saturday afternoon.
The group, promoted as the third annual Faith Walk, began at the Manchester Courthouse and walked down Hull Street in over 90-degree heat.
“I pray for the city of Richmond, pray for every step we take,” organizer Dwayne Hill shouted from a megaphone.
Hill said he planned the walk after witnessing violence in his neighborhood during a violent year in Richmond.
Folks take part in the third annual Faith Walk.
Twenty-five people have been murdered in the city so far in 2016, according to police. That number is double the number of homicides reported during the same time in 2015.
The latest homicide happened on June 3rd when 25-year-old Paige E. Johnson died from a gunshot wound at the Midlothian Inn in South Richmond.
“I’m from the hood of Southside and I’ve been around violence. I’m a father and I pray for the city of Richmond,” Hill said.
Virginia Union University’s head football coach Mark James also joined the group for the mile walk.
“I work with young men every day. Young men at the collegiate age who, unfortunately, in our community aren`t making it to that age,” James said.
Others who marched said they hoped their efforts brings the community closer.
“All this killing and robbing, it`s got to stop. It`s got to cease,” Calvin Townes said.
Faith Walk.
